What's eating my colocasia 'mojito'?

Colocasia 'Mojito' is typically grown as a garden or pond-margin plant and attracts outdoor pests on its large mottled leaves. Aphids are the most common nuisance. Caterpillars such as armyworms can cause dramatic overnight defoliation. Spider mites appear in dry summers. Slugs and snails target new growth close to the soil.

Soft green or black colonies on leaf undersides and new shoots; sticky honeydew; leaves pucker or yellow; ants may be seen tending colonies Knock off with a strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; attract beneficial insects by planting nectar-rich flowers nearby

Large chewed holes through the mottled leaf surface; overnight defoliation possible; frass droppings on leaves and soil Hand-pick caterpillars in the evening; spray Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) or spinosad; check plants regularly during warm months

Fine pale stippling across leaves in hot dry summers; webbing on undersides; leaves look dull and bleached Apply a strong water spray or overhead irrigation to disrupt colonies; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve soil moisture and mulch

Ragged irregular holes and silvery mucus trails on lower leaves, particularly on young plants and at ground level after rain or irrigation Use iron phosphate pellets around the base; set beer traps; remove hiding spots such as dense debris near the crown; hand-pick at night