Pest identification
What's eating my new zealand spinach?
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on stem tips and leaf undersides; honeydew and leaf distortion on new growth
Control: Blast with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem; most infestations are self-limiting in warm weather
Slugs and snails
Signs: Holes in succulent leaves, primarily at soil level on young plants
Control: Iron phosphate pellets; remove debris; hand-pick at night; grit mulch around crowns
Caterpillars (various loopers and noctuid moths)
Signs: Ragged holes in leaf blades during summer; frass visible on leaf surfaces
Control: Hand-pick; apply Bt spray if populations are high; bird-friendly garden reduces moth populations
Keep new zealand spinach pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats spinach — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What eats new zealand spinach — our other guide for the same plant
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common new zealand spinach problems & fixes
- New Zealand Spinach watering schedule
- New Zealand Spinach light requirements
- Full new zealand spinach care guide
New Zealand Spinach pests — FAQ
What is eating my new zealand spinach?
New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides) is botanically unrelated to true spinach and has notably tougher, succulent leaves — this deters many soft-bodied pests. Aphids and slugs still attack, and caterpillars may chew leaves in summer. Deer and rabbits browse it where present. It is generally more pest-resilient than true spinach cultivars.
How do I get rid of aphids on new zealand spinach?
Colonies on stem tips and leaf undersides; honeydew and leaf distortion on new growth Blast with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem; most infestations are self-limiting in warm weather
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on new zealand spinach?
Holes in succulent leaves, primarily at soil level on young plants Iron phosphate pellets; remove debris; hand-pick at night; grit mulch around crowns
How do I get rid of caterpillars (various loopers and noctuid moths) on new zealand spinach?
Ragged holes in leaf blades during summer; frass visible on leaf surfaces Hand-pick; apply Bt spray if populations are high; bird-friendly garden reduces moth populations