What's eating my ranunculus asiaticus?

Persian buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus) is most threatened by aphids clustering on its flower buds. Slugs and snails damage young growth at soil level in early spring. Thrips can scar the ornate petals. In warm, dry spells, spider mites may appear on stressed plants grown under glass.

Dense colonies on buds and soft stems; honeydew, sooty mould, and bloom distortion. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly. Introduce predatory insects. Remove heavily infested shoot tips.

Holes and scalloped edges on emerging foliage; slime trails at ground level. Apply iron phosphate pellets. Hand-pick at night. Avoid waterlogging soil around corms.

Pale silvery streaks on petals and leaves; scarred or malformed blooms. Remove affected blooms. Spray spinosad or insecticidal soap in the evening away from pollinators.

Fine webbing on undersides of leaves; foliage becomes pale and stippled when plants are stressed or grown under glass. Increase humidity and mist plants. Spray with neem oil or a miticide. Keep plants well watered to prevent heat stress.