What's eating my nelumbo 'baby doll'?

Nelumbo 'Baby Doll' is a dwarf lotus ideal for tubs and small ponds. Aphids are the main pest on the small aerial foliage, and slugs can damage emerging shoots at the pot rim in tub settings. Because this cultivar is often grown without fish, more direct physical controls are needed than with pond-grown lotuses.

Colonies rapidly build on the small aerial leaves and flower buds, causing yellowing, sticky honeydew, and reduced bloom on this compact cultivar. Wipe off with a damp cloth or blast off with a hose. In fish-free tubs, a dilute insecticidal soap spray on foliage (not water) is effective.

Slugs climb tub walls at night and rasp irregular holes in emerging lotus leaves at or near the water surface. Copper tape around the outside of the tub acts as a deterrent. Iron-phosphate pellets placed on surrounding paving are safe near water and pets.

Even on dwarf cultivars, caterpillars will roll and web young leaves, creating brown ragged patches that spoil the ornamental display. Hand-pick rolled leaves and destroy larvae. Bt spray on aerial foliage is appropriate if damage is consistent across the season.