What's eating my colocasia 'black magic'?

Colocasia 'Black Magic' is grown outdoors in gardens and ponds as well as indoors in tropical climates, attracting both indoor and garden pests. Spider mites attack in hot, dry spells. Aphids cluster on new growth, and caterpillars (especially Spodoptera/armyworms) chew the dramatic dark leaves. Slugs and snails damage young plants at ground level.

Pale stippling and bronzing across the large dark-purple leaves; webbing on undersides; leaves look dusty and lose their black depth Spray forcefully with water to dislodge mites; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; increase irrigation and mulch to raise local humidity

Clusters of soft-bodied insects on new shoots and leaf undersides; curled emerging leaves; sticky honeydew attracting ants Blast off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap spray; encourage natural predators such as ladybirds/ladybugs and lacewings

Large ragged holes chewed through the leaf blade; frass (droppings) visible on leaves; significant defoliation possible in warm months Hand-pick caterpillars at dusk; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray to foliage; use spinosad for heavier infestations

Irregular holes and silvery slime trails on lower leaves and young stems near ground level, especially after rain Remove debris and mulch away from stems; use iron phosphate slug pellets (wildlife-safe); set beer traps; hand-pick at night