Pest identification
What's eating my pink arisaema?
Slugs & Snails
Signs: Holes bitten into the spathe and leaf blades; silvery slime trails; prized spathes can be completely disfigured.
Control: Apply iron phosphate pellets around emerging growth; use a grit mulch to deter crawling; hand-pick after dark.
Vine Weevil
Signs: U-shaped notches on leaf edges (adults); grubs hollow out the corm leading to plant death.
Control: Apply Steinernema kraussei nematodes to pot compost in autumn; repot annually to inspect for grubs.
Aphids
Signs: Soft green or black colonies on the flower scape and spathe; honeydew drips onto lower leaves.
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap; a single application is usually sufficient for this relatively minor pest.
Keep pink arisaema pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pink Arisaema pests — FAQ
What is eating my pink arisaema?
Pink Arisaema (Arisaema candidissimum) is a cool-climate woodland perennial. Slugs and snails are the dominant pest, targeting the delicate pink-striped spathes and emerging leaves in spring. Vine weevil grubs feed on the corm in containers. Aphids can colonise the flower spike. Rabbits may occasionally nibble emerging foliage.
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on pink arisaema?
Holes bitten into the spathe and leaf blades; silvery slime trails; prized spathes can be completely disfigured. Apply iron phosphate pellets around emerging growth; use a grit mulch to deter crawling; hand-pick after dark.
How do I get rid of vine weevil on pink arisaema?
U-shaped notches on leaf edges (adults); grubs hollow out the corm leading to plant death. Apply Steinernema kraussei nematodes to pot compost in autumn; repot annually to inspect for grubs.
How do I get rid of aphids on pink arisaema?
Soft green or black colonies on the flower scape and spathe; honeydew drips onto lower leaves. Spray with insecticidal soap; a single application is usually sufficient for this relatively minor pest.