What's eating my colocasia 'illustris' (imperial taro)?

Colocasia 'Illustris' is most threatened by spider mites and aphids indoors, and by slugs, aphids, and caterpillars when grown outdoors. The large, dark leaves attract sap-sucking insects. Inspect the undersides of leaves regularly and act early — populations build quickly on lush tropical foliage.

Fine webbing on leaf undersides; pale stippling or bronzing of the large dark leaves. Raise humidity, spray leaves with water to dislodge mites, then apply insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly until clear.

Clusters of soft-bodied insects on new growth; sticky honeydew residue and distorted unfurling leaves. Knock off with a strong water spray; treat persistent colonies with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Outdoors, encourage ladybirds.

Ragged holes in leaves or entire young leaves eaten overnight (outdoor plants only). Hand-pick at night, use copper tape barriers, or apply iron phosphate slug pellets around the base.

Large irregular holes chewed through leaves; frass (droppings) visible on foliage (outdoor plants). Hand-pick caterpillars; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for heavy infestations.