Ixia (Ixia spp.) is a beautiful spring-flowering plant belonging to the iris family, boasting star-shaped flowers in a range of colours including pink, red, white, blue and purple. It’s native to South Africa, where it grows in the wild on rocky hillsides and in grasslands. A perennial plant, ixia flowers come back year after year.
Ixia has a few other common names, including African corn lily, wand flower, ixi and cornflag. It has traditionally been associated with some customs and folklore in South Africa, where it’s believed to bring good luck and happiness. In UK gardens its bright, colourful blooms and sword-shaped leaves make it a popular choice for those looking for something a little different. Plus, flowering from May to June, it helps to bridge the gap between spring- and summer-flowering bulbs.
African corn lilies, with their vibrant colors and delicate petals, are truly stunning additions to any garden. However, these ornamental flowers often fall victim to destruction by slimy pests – snails. If left unchecked, snails can decimate an African corn lily plant by chewing through leaves, buds, and blooms. As a gardener, it’s frustrating to nurture your plants only to have them ravaged overnight. So how do you save your prized African corn lilies from these pesky mollusks? By implementing a multifaceted pest management plan.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll explore various chemical and non-chemical snail control options when each method is appropriate, plus ways to prevent future infestations. With persistence and an integrated approach, you can protect your African corn lilies from snail damage.
Recognizing the Threat
To effectively combat snails, you first need to understand what attracts them and the destruction they cause. Snails thrive in cool, moist environments and are most active at night. They use their rough tongues to scrape and feed on plant material. Evidence of snail activity includes:
- Irregular holes in leaves and petals
- Slime trails on plants and ground
- Missing seedlings
- Wilted, dying plants
Inspect African corn lilies thoroughly especially young sprouts and new growth which are most vulnerable. Look under leaves and dense foliage where snails like to hide. Catching infestations early allows for quicker control.
Effective Organic Snail Deterrents
For gardeners who prefer non-chemical methods, numerous organic options can discourage snails without harming other wildlife.
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Handpicking – Remove snails by hand at night with a flashlight and gloves. Dispose of them far from your garden.
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Copper barriers – Snails avoid crossing copper because it reacts with their slime Wrap strips of copper tape around pots or plant bases,
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Sharp debris – Materials like crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth can deter snails from crawling over them. Sprinkle around plants.
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Natural repellents – Strong scents from garlic, peppermint oil, or cinnamon repel snails. Place or spray these near vulnerable plants.
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Beer traps – Sink shallow containers of beer into the soil to attract and drown snails.
When Chemical Snail Baits Are Necessary
For serious snail problems, limited use of chemical baits is sometimes the quickest and most effective solution.
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Iron phosphate baits – Considered organic and safe, iron phosphate baits kill snails effectively while avoiding toxicity to pets or wildlife.
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Metaldehyde baits – These are hazardous to dogs and wildlife if ingested so use with extreme caution and follow all label instructions.
Avoid overuse of chemical baits which can harm beneficial insects. Employ them strategically in problem areas, not garden-wide.
Preventing Future Snail Invasions
Eliminating current snails is only half the battle. Prevent future infestations by:
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Removing shelter sites like weeds, dead leaves, boards, and debris where snails hide during the day
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Watering early in the morning so plants dry out by evening
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Encouraging natural predators like birds, beetles, and snakes that feed on snails
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Using caulk to seal cracks and entry points to garden beds
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Adding sand or crushed shells as sharp barriers to entry points
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Rotating crops to prevent buildup of snail populations attracted to certain plants
An Integrated Pest Management Approach
No single method can fully protect African corn lilies from snails. The key is using multiple organic remedies, limited chemical control only when absolutely necessary, and preventative maintenance.
Be vigilant in checking for early signs of snails. Remove them manually before populations explode. Apply organic deterrents like copper, diatomaceous earth, and natural repellents as first lines of defense. If organic options fail to provide adequate control, use contained applications of iron phosphate baits, avoiding widespread use of hazardous metaldehyde products.
By integrating a variety of snail management tactics, you can spare your African corn lilies from becoming midnight snacks for these slimy pests. Consistent monitoring, early intervention, and prevention are vital to success. The reward will be vibrant, flourishing African corn lilies that can finally thrive free of snail destruction.
How to care for ixia
Ixia requires minimal care once established. Water the plants regularly during the growing season but be careful not to overwater as this can cause the bulbs to rot. Ixia doesn’t require regular pruning.
As ixia bulbs are not frost hardy, lift them from the ground in autumn to store over winter. Carefully dig up the bulbs, taking care not to damage them. Shake off any excess soil and allow the bulbs to dry in a well-ventilated area for a day or two. Once dry, remove any remaining foliage or debris, and then store the bulbs in a cool, dry place, such as a paper bag or a mesh bag, to prevent them from rotting or drying out. Then simply replant them after all risk of frost has passed, in spring.
Where to grow ixia
Ixia can grow up to 50cm tall and looks best when planted in groups, as this creates a stunning visual effect. It can be grown in containers, borders, or rock gardens and is an excellent choice to grow in a Mediterranean garden scheme.
How to Get Rid of SLUGS & SNAILS
FAQ
Does vinegar kill African snails?
How to destroy African snail naturally?
How to control garden snails in your garden?
Copper wire, Vaseline, even just mesh curved outwards will help repel garden snails from your plants. Now that you know more about how to control garden snails in your garden with these effective snail repellents and organic snail control, you can make sure that those slimy little buggers never bother your plants again.
How to get rid of snails organically?
Setting up traps is a very effective way of getting rid of most pests, and snails are no exception. The good thing is you can utilize most of the things around your home as excellent traps. One of them is beer. Yes, that’s right; you are not the only one who loves beer. This is one of the best organic ways of eradicating these pests.
How do I stop snails from eating my potted plants?
This is an effective way to stop snails from eating your potted plants and keep them out. Your container plants can use some help from natural predators that eat snails. Since they have that hard shell, there really aren’t that many smaller pests that are able to eat them.
Do snails kill plants?
Snails can kill your plants if you ignore them. They rapidly multiply and can lay eggs in the hundreds very quickly. If ignored, they’ll hatch and you’ll have a ton of baby snails eating up your plant. They can quickly destroy plants in a few weeks and this is why you need to act quickly to save your plants.