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If you need a colorful addition to a flower bed that gets hot afternoon sun, you might want to try growing Ixia bulbs. Pronounced Ik-see-uh, the plants are commonly called wand flowers, cornflowers, or African corn lily plants. Ixia wand flower thrives in the hottest and sunniest areas of the garden, producing attractive, sword-shaped foliage and masses of dainty, star-shaped flowers on wiry stems.
When growing Ixia bulbs, which are actually corms, you may be happily surprised to find they are shaped like chocolate kisses. Ixia plant info says to plant the corms 3 to 5 inches (8-13 cm.) deep and 3 inches (8 cm.) apart into fertile, well-draining soil. Southern gardeners should plant them in fall, while those in USDA gardening zones 4 and 5 should plant in spring. Care of wand flowers includes a heavy layer of mulch for fall planted bulbs in zones 6 and 7. A South African native, Ixia plant info indicates African corn lily plants are short-lived perennials and may perform as annuals, not returning after a hard winter. However, Ixia wand flower corms are readily available in garden centers and big box stores and are usually not expensive, so replanting is not much of a chore. Youll find it is worth the effort when the delicate and colorful blooms appear in the garden. The Ixia wand flower blooms in late spring in the south, while the colorful flowers appear in summer in northern areas. When growing Ixia bulbs, you may wish to lift them in fall and store them for the winter. In colder areas, plant wand flowers in large containers and sink them into the ground. When frost approaches, simply lift the pot and store in an area where temperatures remain at 68 to 77 degrees F. (20-25 C.). Damage to the corms starts when outdoor temperatures fall below 28 degrees F. (-2 C.).
As a gardening enthusiast, I know how disheartening it can be to nurture a beautiful plant like the African corn lily, only to have it ravaged by voracious caterpillars These pests can destroy flowers, leaves, and stems in no time, leaving behind unsightly damage.
Over the years, through trial and error, I’ve learned effective organic and chemical-free methods to get rid of caterpillars and protect my precious African corn lilies. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything I know to help you keep these hungry larvae away too
Identifying the Culprits
The first step is identifying the specific type of caterpillar infesting your plants. Common species that attack lilies include:
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Cabbage loopers – Green, inchworm-like larvae with white stripes
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Corn earworms – Green, brown or pink caterpillars with faint yellow stripes.
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Armyworms – Dark brown or green striped caterpillars that hide in foliage.
Properly identifying the pest ensures you can tailor control methods to target them specifically. Check under leaves and flowers carefully to find camouflaged larvae.
Manual Removal
Manually removing caterpillars is my top recommendation for quick, safe, and effective control. Simply pick them off by hand and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. Wear gloves and check plants daily to catch them early before populations explode.
While labor intensive, this chemical-free method works wonders for isolated infestations and is safe for children and pets. It’s also great for organic gardeners who want to avoid pesticides.
Encourage Natural Predators
Nature provides great caterpillar control through predatory insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and tiny parasitic wasps. Attract them to your garden by planting nectar-rich flowers near your lilies. Dill, cilantro, and parsley also repel caterpillars.
You can even purchase beneficial insects and release them near infested plants. Let nature do the work for you!
Apply Neem Oil
Derived from the neem tree, this natural pesticide disrupts caterpillars’ feeding, growth and reproduction. Mix neem oil with water according to label directions and spray on infested lilies, including the tops and undersides of leaves where larvae hide.
Safe for people and pets, neem oil controls caterpillars while sparing ladybugs, bees and other beneficial insects. It’s available at most garden centers. Reapply after rain.
Use Bacillus Thuringiensis
This natural bacterium, also called Bt, produces proteins that target caterpillars but are harmless to people and pets. As caterpillars ingest leaves sprayed with Bt, they stop feeding and perish within a few days.
Bt is safe for bees and butterflies too. Switch between Bt and neem oil every 2-3 weeks to prevent pest resistance. Apply in the evening when pollinators are less active.
Insecticidal Soap
Potassium salts of fatty acids in insecticidal soap penetrate caterpillars’ soft bodies on contact, causing fatal dehydration. Mix with water and spray thoroughly on plants every 5-7 days.
Safe for humans, pets, and the environment, insecticidal soap controls caterpillars without harming beneficial insects like ladybugs. It washes off plants easily with water.
Trap Crops
Lure caterpillars away from your prized lilies with sacrificial “trap crops.” Plant extra lettuce, cabbage or dill nearby and check them daily for pests. Destroy infested trap crops before caterpillars spread.
This organic method concentrates the pests where you can easily control them, keeping your main flowers protected.
Maintain Good Garden Hygiene
Prevent caterpillar infestations by keeping your garden free of litter, fallen leaves, and overgrown vegetation where larvae thrive. Check lilies frequently and control pests before they multiply.
Promptly remove severely damaged foliage and blooms so caterpillars have less to eat. Keeping your garden tidy goes a long way.
Be Patient and Persistent
Getting rid of caterpillars takes commitment, but the effort protects your beautiful African corn lilies. Combine several methods and reapply treatments as needed. Aim for prevention instead of reaction.
Patrolling your garden daily and being vigilant against early infestations is key. Don’t become discouraged if pests return – persistence pays off in the end!
Care of Ixia Wand Flowers
Care of wand flowers is simple. Keep the soil moist during periods of growth. Mulch heavily if you have cold winters and do not lift the corms. Companion plants for growing Ixia bulbs may include dianthus, Stokes aster, and spring blooming annuals.
Types of Ixia Wand Flower
Ixia wand flower blooms in a multitude of colors, depending on the cultivar planted.
- Turquoise green blooms with purple to almost black centers, called eyes, bloom on the cultivar Ixia viridiflora.
- Panorama is white with purplish red eyes, while Hogarth features cream-colored blooms with a red-purple center.
- The cultivar Marquette has yellow tips with purple black centers.
Control Catepillars In The Garden Organically And Effectively
FAQ
How do I get rid of caterpillars eating my flowers?
Can plants recover from caterpillars?
What is the best spray for caterpillars?
What plants repel caterpillars?
Certain plants will naturally repel caterpillars and other pests . Peppermint, lavender, mugwort, and sage are some of the most potent plants that repel garden caterpillars. Therefore, incorporate these plants into or around your vegetable garden or flower bed to help deter caterpillars.
How does a lily caterpillar kill a plant?
It pupates in leaf litter, then moves onto the plant to begin feeding. The larvae hide during the day then come out to feed at night. They chew the leaf surfaces, and also damage the leaf sheath at the base of the plant. Left unchecked the lily caterpillar causes horrific damage, and often kills plants.
Can you get rid of caterpillars on plants?
If you’ve ever noticed strange webs and tiny bugs hanging around your beloved garden or potted plants, you’re likely dealing with caterpillar infestations. Caterpillars can quickly damage the foliage on many popular plants, scarring leaves and ruining their beautiful aesthetic. Fortunately, it’s not impossible to get rid of caterpillars on plants!
How do I get rid of Lily caterpillars?
Plants affected: crinums, clivia, amaryllis Control: The best time to treat or find the pest is first thing in the morning, as it feeds at night and hides by day. Look on both sides of the leaf, and down into the base of the plant. There are no chemicals registered specifically to control the lily caterpillar.