Eliminating Slaters from Bat Faced Cuphea – Identification and Control

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Robby

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Native to Central America and Mexico, bat face cuphea plant (Cuphea llavea) is named for its interesting little bat-faced blooms of deep purple and bright red. The dense, bright green foliage provides a perfect backdrop for the masses of colorful, nectar-rich flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Bat face cuphea reaches mature heights of 18 to 24 inches (45-60 cm.) with a spread of 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm.). Read on for helpful information about growing a bat faced cuphea flower.

Cuphea is perennial only in the warm climates of USDA plant hardiness zone 10 and above, but you can grow the plant as an annual if you live in a cooler climate. If you have a bright window, you may be able to bring the plant indoors for the winter.

The delightfully quirky blooms of bat faced cuphea (Cuphea llavea) are certainly a garden highlight. But an infestation of slaters, also known as pill bugs or woodlice, can quickly detract from your plant’s beauty. Taking steps to get rid of slaters will help restore the health of your cuphea.

This article will cover identifying slaters, preventative measures, natural remedies and chemical control options to eliminate slaters from your prized bat faced cuphea plant.

Recognizing Slaters

Correctly identifying slaters is the first step toward effective control, Look for these key characteristics

  • Small, oval grayish-brown bodies, up to 1/2 inch long
  • Segmented exoskeleton that resembles armor plating
  • Two antennae on the head

Inspect the undersides of leaves, along stems and at the base of plants for slaters, which are most active at night. Their chewing damage may appear as irregular holes in foliage. Frass near plants is another telltale sign of their presence.

Preventing Slater Infestations

Implementing good horticultural practices is the best line of defense against slaters

  • Eliminate hiding spots by clearing away leaf litter, mulch and garden debris

  • Improve drainage and avoid overwatering which creates moist conditions slaters thrive in

  • Use sterile potting mixes and keep garden tools clean to deter transfer

  • Trim plants to increase sunlight and air circulation

  • Introduce predator insects like ground beetles and centipedes to naturally control slater populations

Organic Ways to Remove Slaters

If slaters have already invaded your cuphea, here are some organic remedies:

  • Spread diatomaceous earth around plants to shred slaters with its razor-sharp particles

  • Spray insecticidal soap directly on slaters to smother them

  • Use neem oil as a natural repellent against slaters

  • Set out shallow dishes of beer near plants to attract and drown slaters

  • Apply beneficial nematodes that parasitize and kill slaters

  • Manual removal of visible slaters from plants via tweezers

Be sure to reapply treatments after rain or watering and monitor plants closely for reinfestation.

Chemical Controls for Slaters

For severe slater infestations, limited use of targeted chemical pesticides may be warranted:

  • Insecticidal baits containing metaldehydeapplied around gardens

  • Spot treatments of pyrethroid sprays directly on slaters and hiding spots

  • Systemic insecticides like imidacloprid applied to soil for uptake by plant roots

Always closely follow label directions when using chemical pesticides. Avoid overuse to prevent environmental damage or resistance.

Maintaining Plant Health

Aside from direct slater control measures, strive to keep your bat faced cuphea as vigorous and healthy as possible:

  • Water and fertilize appropriately for the species

  • Prune and trim plants regularly to encourage new growth

  • Scout for signs of disease and treat promptly

  • Ensure proper sunlight exposure and air flow

With persistence and a multi-pronged approach utilizing prevention, mechanical removal, natural treatments and limited chemical control as needed, you can successfully eliminate slaters from your cherished bat faced cuphea. Consistent monitoring and maintenance are key to preventing future infestations.

how to get rid of slaters on bat faced cuphea plant

Growing a Bat Face Cuphea Flower

The easiest way to grow cuphea flowers is to purchase bedding plants at a nursery or garden center. Otherwise, start seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last hard frost in your area. Plant bat face cuphea in full sunlight and the plant will reward you with color throughout the season. However, if your climate is extremely hot, a little afternoon shade wont hurt. The soil should be well drained. Dig in a few inches (7.5 cm.) of manure or compost before planting to accommodate cupheas need for rich organic matter.

Bat Face Plant Care

Caring for bat faced plants isnt complicated. Water the plant regularly until the roots are well established. At that point, the plant will do fine with less water and will tolerate occasional periods of drought. Feed cuphea monthly during the growing season, using a high quality, all-purpose fertilizer. Alternatively, provide a slow-release fertilizer in spring. Pinch the stem tips when the plants are 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm.) tall to create a compact, bushy plant. If you live in a borderline climate of USDA zone 8 or 9, you may be able to overwinter bat face plant by protecting the roots with a layer of mulch – such as dry, chopped leaves or bark chips. The plant may die down, but with protection, it should rebound when temperatures rise in spring.

Bat Face Cuphea Plant (Cuphea llavea) And Cutting Propagation

FAQ

How to care for bat face Cuphea?

Grow bat-faced cuphea in full sun in the ground or in containers. Provide regular moisture, although plants will tolerate dry conditions occasionally. Fertilize plants in containers several times during the summer months. Pinch back or shear if plants become too leggy later in the growing season.

How do you save Cuphea?

Potting and Repotting Cuphea Make sure the pot has adequate drainage and use well-draining potting soil, as the stems will rot if the plant sits in soggy soil. If grown as an annual, cuphea won’t need repotting. Otherwise, repot it every spring once it has outgrows its pot.

What is the best fertilizer for Cuphea?

Once established, plants can tolerate dryer growing conditions. Fertilize twice a month in summer with a water-soluble fertilizer (such as 15-30-15) to keep plants flowering all season long. For information on planting and care of annuals, click here.

Should I cut back Cuphea?

Pruning and deadheading: Cupheas are self-cleaning, so no deadheading is needed to ensure continuous flower production. If you want to make your plants bushier and more compact, you can prune or pinch them back in late spring to encourage more branching and, in turn, more flowers.

What is a bat face Cuphea plant?

Native to Central America and Mexico, bat face cuphea plant (Cuphea llavea) is named for its interesting little bat-faced blooms of deep purple and bright red. Read this article for helpful informatio

How do you care for a bat faced Cuphea?

For best results, provide plants with: Organic soil. Full sun or part shade, depending on where you live. Regular water. All-purpose fertilizer. Bat-faced cuphea is fairly low maintenance. You can perform some light tip pruning or pinching if plants become too leggy.

How do you grow a bat face Cuphea?

The easiest way to grow cuphea flowers is to purchase bedding plants at a nursery or garden center. Otherwise, start seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last hard frost in your area. Plant bat face cuphea in full sunlight and the plant will reward you with color throughout the season.

Do cupheas have a bat face?

From their bat-faced appearance to their vibrant colors, cupheas add a touch of whimsy and beauty to any garden. So, if you’re looking for a plant that is both easy to care for and visually stunning, look no further than cupheas. Cuphea Bat Face, also known as Cuphea llavea, is a unique plant with beautiful bat-like flowers.

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