Pest identification
What's eating my ranunculus asiaticus 'mache'?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of small insects on buds and shoot tips; sticky residue and deformed growth.
Control: Remove by hand or water jet at first sight. Follow up with insecticidal soap spray. Repeat every 5–7 days until clear.
Slugs and snails
Signs: Irregular grazing and holes on emerging stems and leaf bases after rain.
Control: Iron phosphate pellets or diatomaceous earth around plants. Night-time hand-picking is effective. Reduce moisture around corms.
Thrips
Signs: Silvery, streaked markings on petals; blooms may not open cleanly.
Control: Pinch off heavily infested flowers. Apply spinosad spray in the evening, avoiding bee activity hours.
Keep ranunculus asiaticus 'mache' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats ranunculus asiaticus — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common ranunculus asiaticus 'mache' problems & fixes
- Ranunculus asiaticus 'Mache' watering schedule
- Ranunculus asiaticus 'Mache' light requirements
- Full ranunculus asiaticus 'mache' care guide
Ranunculus asiaticus 'Mache' pests — FAQ
What is eating my ranunculus asiaticus 'mache'?
Ranunculus 'Mache' is vulnerable to aphids, which quickly colonise succulent buds and stems in spring. Slugs and snails cause early-season damage to emerging shoots, and thrips can streak the petals of this ornamental variety. Prompt inspection and organic controls keep it blooming well.
How do I get rid of aphids on ranunculus asiaticus 'mache'?
Clusters of small insects on buds and shoot tips; sticky residue and deformed growth. Remove by hand or water jet at first sight. Follow up with insecticidal soap spray. Repeat every 5–7 days until clear.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on ranunculus asiaticus 'mache'?
Irregular grazing and holes on emerging stems and leaf bases after rain. Iron phosphate pellets or diatomaceous earth around plants. Night-time hand-picking is effective. Reduce moisture around corms.
How do I get rid of thrips on ranunculus asiaticus 'mache'?
Silvery, streaked markings on petals; blooms may not open cleanly. Pinch off heavily infested flowers. Apply spinosad spray in the evening, avoiding bee activity hours.