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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.
Slugs can be the bane of any gardener’s existence. These slimy pests can quickly decimate ornamental plants and edible crops. One of their favorite targets is the bat-faced cuphea (Cuphea llavea). This tropical flowering plant is prized for its unique flowers that resemble little bats, but slugs love munching on the tender leaves and buds. If your bat-faced cuphea is under attack by these molusk marauders, there are several organic methods you can try to protect your plant.
Identify the Culprit
Before you wage war against slugs, make sure they are actually the culprits attacking your plant. Check the leaves and stems for large, irregular holes surrounded by silvery slime trails. This mucus is the calling card of slugs and snails. Damage will be more pronounced on the undersides and edges of leaves. If you find these telltale signs, it’s time to take action against these gastropods.
Remove Hiding Places
The first line of defense is to eliminate any potential hiding spots near your plants. Slugs and snails thrive in cool, moist environments Remove any piles of leaves, mulch, or garden debris where slugs could shelter during the day. Keep the area around your plants clean and dry to make the habitat less welcoming. Prune back overgrown plants and vegetation to open things up and reduce humidity levels
Handpick at Night
One of the most effective organic methods for controlling slugs is good old fashioned handpicking. Go outside after dark with a flashlight and gloves. Look under leaves, in soil cracks, and other moist refuges where slugs hang out during the day. Collect any culprits you find and dispose of them in a bucket of soapy water. Check plants daily and handpick nightly to keep slug populations under control.
Set Beer Traps
Slugs are attracted to the smell of yeast and beer. Take advantage of this weakness by setting beer traps around your garden beds. Bury shallow containers like yogurt cups, leaving the rims at soil level. Fill these traps about halfway with cheap beer. Slugs will crawl in for the drink and drown. Empty and refresh traps every few days. The smell of beer will also lure slugs away from your plants.
Use Copper Barriers
Slugs and snails will not cross over copper due to an unpleasant reaction between the metal and their mucus. Use this to your advantage by placing copper strips or wire around the base of plants and garden beds. The metal can be wrapped around pots, planters, raised beds, and tree trunks to create an impenetrable barrier against slugs. pennies or coins buried at intervals can also deter crossing.
Apply Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powder made from crushed fossils of ancient algae. The tiny sharp edges cut into slugs, causing injuries that dehydrate the mollusks. Apply a thin layer around beds and potted plants, taking care to avoid the foliage. Reapply after rain or watering. The jagged DE will shred slugs as they attempt to cross over to your plants.
Use Slug Baits
When cultural and mechanical controls aren’t enough, you may need to use an organic slug bait. Look for formulations containing ferric phosphate or iron phosphate as the active ingredient. These naturally occurring compounds are not toxic to people, pets, birds, and pollinators when used as directed. Spread bait pellets or granules on the soil around (not touching) your plants. Target damp areas under vegetation where slugs travel and congregate.
Invite Predators
Another organic tactic is to welcome slug predators into your yard. Frogs, toads, turtles, beetles, fireflies, birds, ducks, and chickens will happily feast on these soft-bodied gastropods. Avoid pesticides and insecticides that would harm these slug hunters. Provide water sources, shelter, and habitat for natural pest control allies. A biodiverse garden ecosystem will help keep slug populations in check.
With persistence and an integrated pest management approach you can defend your bat faced cuphea from the slug scourge. Consistent monitoring baiting, trapping, and handpicking are key. Combining multiple organic methods tailored to your individual garden will provide the best protection. Your vigilance and dedication will allow you to enjoy the delightful batty blossoms of cuphea without losing them to the appetite of slugs.
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.
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 Cuphea Plant (Cuphea llavea) And Cutting Propagation
FAQ
What is the best homemade slug repellent?
How do I permanently get rid of slugs?
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 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.
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.
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.