If you are a plant lover, you may have come across the volcanic plant, also known as the Aeonium arboreum. This plant is a succulent that is native to the Canary Islands and is popular for its unique appearance and ease of care. However, like many plants, the volcanic plant is susceptible to pests and diseases, one of which is snails.
Snails can cause significant damage to your volcanic plant if not dealt with promptly. They are known to eat the foliage, flowers, and stems of the plant, leading to stunted growth and possibly death. In this article, we will discuss some effective ways to get rid of snails on your volcano plant.
Before you can effectively combat snails on your volcano plant, you need to identify if you indeed have a snail problem. Some signs that your plant may be infested with snails include:
If you want to avoid using harsh chemicals on your volcano plant, there are several natural remedies you can try:
One of the easiest ways to get rid of snails is by handpicking them off your plant. You can do this by going out at night with a flashlight and picking off any snails you find on your plant or in the surrounding area. Be sure to dispose of them far away from your garden or house.
Snails are attracted to beer, so setting up a beer trap can be an effective way to lure them away from your volcano plant. To set up a beer trap, bury a shallow dish filled with beer near your plant. The snails will be attracted to the smell of the beer and drown in it.
Snails dislike copper, so wrapping copper tape around the base of your volcano plant can be an effective deterrent. The tape forms a barrier that snails won’t cross, keeping them away from your plant.
If natural remedies aren’t working, or you have a severe infestation, you may need to resort to chemical remedies. Here are two options:
Iron phosphate is a natural compound that is safe for use on plants and pets. It works by poisoning the snails, causing them to stop eating and die. You can find iron phosphate in pellet form at most garden centers. Sprinkle the pellets around the base of your volcano plant according to package instructions.
Metaldehyde is a chemical pesticide that is effective at killing snails but can be harmful to other animals if ingested. It comes in granular form and should be sprinkled around the base of your plant according to package instructions. Be sure to keep pets and children away from the area until the product has dried.
Preventing snails from infesting your volcano plant in the first place is the best course of action. Here are some preventative measures you can take:
Snails may be a common problem for volcanic plant owners, but they don’t have to be a permanent one. By using natural or chemical remedies and taking preventative measures, you can get rid of snails on your volcano plant and keep them from coming back.
Preventing snails from coming back involves keeping your garden clean and tidy, watering your plant in the morning, using a layer of gravel or sand around your plant, and encouraging natural predators like birds, beetles, and snakes in your garden.
Iron phosphate is a natural compound that is safe for use on plants and pets. However, it’s still best to keep pets away from the area until the product has dried.
While salt can be effective at killing snails, it can also harm your plants and soil. It’s best to avoid using salt as a remedy for snail infestations.