What's eating my cup plant?

Cup Plant is largely pest-resistant but attracts aphids, which cluster on stems and new growth, and caterpillars (including goldsmith beetle larvae) that chew leaves. Deer and rabbits generally avoid this tall, resinous native. Aphids are the most common nuisance, easily controlled with a strong water spray or insecticidal soap.

Sticky honeydew, distorted new shoots, clusters of soft-bodied insects on stems Blast off with a hose; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybirds and lacewings

Ragged holes chewed through leaves, skeletonised leaf tissue Hand-pick small infestations; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for heavy pressure

Pale stippling on upper leaf surface; leaves look bleached or silvery Insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; row covers for young plants in spring