Battling Caterpillars on Your Artillery Plant

As an indoor plant parent few things are more distressing than discovering caterpillars munching away on your beloved plants. These voracious eaters can make quite the meal out of succulent artillery plant leaves if given the chance!

Caterpillars, the larval stage of butterflies and moths, can consume large amounts of foliage in their quest to transform into winged adults. An artillery plant infestation can defoliate your plant in no time.

Fortunately, you can fight back against these leaf-chewing bandits without harming your plant or the environment. Read on to learn tactics for caterpillar control and protecting your artillery plant!

Identifying Caterpillar Damage

Catching an infestation early allows you to protect your plant before major defoliation occurs. Be on the lookout for these telltale signs of caterpillar activity:

• Jagged holes in leaves, especially along edges
• Missing leaf sections or areas chewed to the veins
• Greenish black pellets of frass (caterpillar poop)
• Curled or rolled leaves stuck with silk threads
• Spotting the caterpillars themselves eating leaves

Check leaf undersides and new growth tips where caterpillars often feed. Act quickly at the first signs of damage to curb population growth.

Why Caterpillars Love Artillery Plants

Caterpillars seek out tender, nutritious foliage to fuel their transformation, and the artillery plant checks all their boxes:

• Plentiful small leaves provide endless food sources
• Rapid growth offers a continual supply of new leaves
• Indoor location gives access year-round
• Minimal pesticide use makes it a safe buffet option
• Lack of natural predators allows unchecked feeding

Unfortunately, the qualities that make the artillery plant so appealing to us plant parents also attract plant-eating caterpillars. But implementing the right control strategies can help protect your plant.

Eco-Friendly Ways to Control Caterpillars

When dealing with any pest, it’s best to begin with the most natural, non-toxic solutions. Here are some organic caterpillar remedies to try:

Handpicking

Physically remove any caterpillars you spot by hand along with the parts they’re feeding on. Drop them into soapy water to dispatch. Repeat daily to prevent multiplication.

Horticultural Oils and Insecticidal Soaps

Use insecticidal soaps derived from natural potassium salts or lightweight summer horticultural oils to smother pests while being gentle on plants. Apply to both sides of affected leaves.

Natural Predators

Introduce caterpillar predators like ladybugs, praying mantises, or parasitic wasps. They will feed on eggs and larvae. Or utilize Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacteria that kills young caterpillars when ingested but is safe for people.

Repellents

Drive away adult moths with strong scents like garlic, hot pepper, or neem oil sprays. Apply these irritants to leaves as repellents. Or use pheromone traps to capture male moths and prevent mating and reproduction.

Barriers

Wrap susceptible plants with protective netting or fabric row cover with a fine weave to physically keep moths away from leaves to deposit eggs.

When to Use Caterpillar Sprays or Systemics

For heavy artillery plant infestations, gentler remedies may not be enough. In that case, spray insecticides directly onto caterpillars and leaves may be warranted.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) targets chewing pests but spares beneficial insects. Apply this organic bacteria as soon as eggs hatch. It must be eaten to be effective.

Spinosad insecticides derived from a soil microbe kill caterpillars via nerve and muscle effects but have low toxicity to mammals. Spray leaf bottoms for best absorption.

Neonicotinoids like imidacloprid work systemically, moving throughout plant tissue. Use sparingly, drenching soil or applying to stems rather than leaves.

While stronger than natural remedies, these still target caterpillars specifically and have minimal environmental impact. Combine with non-chemical methods like barriers and traps for best success.

Discourage Future Caterpillar Outbreaks

Prevention is key to avoid recurring artillery plant infestations. Follow these tips to make your plants less appealing:

• Remove and destroy heavily infested plants or plant parts
• Clean up fallen leaves, debris, and frass around plants weekly
• Apply sticky barriers like petroleum jelly or tape around stems to hinder movement
• Maintain vigor with proper light and water to tolerate pest damage
• Check new plants closely for eggs before bringing indoors
• Isolate plants outdoors during active caterpillar seasons
• Rotate susceptible plants with more pest-resistant varieties

Keeping your artillery plants as healthy as possible is the best defense. Monitor frequently for pests and address issues early before they escalate out of control. With persistence, you can protect your beloved leafy artillery plants from caterpillar damage!