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Canna, those semi-tropical rhizomes with magnificent, eye-popping flowers, are a cinch to grow in warmer regions. Even northern gardeners can enjoy them as annuals. Canna lilies have few problems and can overwinter with some protection in the ground in USDA zones above 8. Canna lily pests are rare, but their broad, sword-like leaves are awfully attractive to a variety of leaf munchers. Read on for some ideas on insects that attack Canna lily plants and how to recognize and defeat them.
The large, funnel-shaped spikes and brilliant, Flamenco dancer colors announce the blooming period of a Canna. They are marvelous plants with a tropical flair and an amazing ability to reproduce themselves as rhizomes replicate. Generally, a sunny location with well-draining soil and average water is enough to ensure summer blooms and healthy, glossy, broad leaves. Occasional pest problems do occur, as in any plant. Pests of Canna lilies usually come under the categories of sucking and chewing insects.
Many of the insects that attack Canna lily plants are obvious and easy to recognize. Some insects that attack Canna lily plants are tiny and hard to see, however. Thrips are one of these. They are practically microscopic and need special methods to view them and determine their existence. Place a piece of paper under the leaves and flower spikes of your plant and gently shake it. If tiny black objects are seen on the paper, you likely have thrips on the Canna. Another common sucking insect is the spider mite. These are also tiny but are more easily recognized by finding their webs. Citrus mealybug is a cottony looking insect and scale is one of the sucking pests of Canna lilies that appears to be small bumps on stems and foliage petioles.
Among the more common pests on Canna are caterpillars and larvae. Canna leafrollers are larvae of Brazilian skippers and chew straight rows of holes in leaves. Many other infant insects may find Canna leaves delicious. Among possible suspects are:
These are usually obvious and chemical Canna lily pest control is not necessary. Foliar damage from chewing doesnt usually affect the plants health but it does mar the overall appearance. Unless there is a sudden infestation of many caterpillars or larvae, hand picking is usually sufficient to control and slight problems. Other chewing pests are the very common slugs and snails.
The vibrant colors and elegant blooms of African corn lily (Ixia species) make them a delightful addition to any garden. However, you may notice some tiny uninvited guests munching on the leaves, sucking sap, or making themselves at home among the petals. Getting to the root of what bugs are infesting your African corn lilies is key to protecting them. Let’s explore some common corn lily pests and solutions for safe, effective control.
Mealybugs – The Fluffy Cotton Invaders
One of the most notorious pests of African corn lilies is the mealybug. Adults are tiny, soft-bodied insects covered in a white waxy coating that makes them look like tiny cotton swabs. They tend to cluster and feed on sap from leaves and stems, secreting sticky honeydew.
Signs of Mealybugs:
- White cottony masses on leaves and stems
- Clusters of small bugs on flowers or under leaves
- Sticky residue on foliage
- Plant distortion or yellowing
Safe Solutions:
- Knock them off with a strong spray of water
- Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil
- Release natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings
- Remove heavily infested parts of plants
- Avoid using pesticides that can harm pollinators like bees
Sap-Sucking Aphids
Stubborn aphid infestations also plague African corn lilies. These pear-shaped insects congregate on buds, leaves, and stems where they pierce tissues and extract sap
Detecting Aphids:
- Colonies of tiny insects on flowers or leaves
- Curled, yellowing, or distorted growth
- Sticky honeydew coating
- Presence of ants feeding on honeydew
Smart Controls:
- Knock them off foliage with a strong spray of water
- Apply insecticidal soap concentrate directly on insects
- Release ladybugs or green lacewings to feed on aphids
- Use neem oil as a natural repellent and insecticide
- Avoid over-fertilization and excessive pruning
Tiny Spider Mites
Barely visible to the naked eye, spider mites damage plants by sucking cell contents from the undersides of leaves Fine webbing may appear when populations explode.
Evidence of Spider Mites Includes:
- Stippling or yellow speckled foliage
- Leaf curling or browning
- Webbing on undersides of leaves
- Decline in plant health
Mitigating Spider Mites:
- Blast them off foliage with water
- Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap
- Release predator mites to consume spider mites
- Use horticultural oil to smother eggs and adults
- Improve airflow and avoid dust buildup on leaves
Nimble Thrips
These tiny, slender pests rasp and feed on flower petals and leaves, leaving behind telltale silvery scarring.
Detecting Thrips:
- Silvery scars on flowers and foliage
- Petals appear damaged or polka-dotted
- Leaves may curl and appear deformed
- Tiny dark specks (thrips waste) on plants
Thwarting Thrips:
- Remove and destroy severely infested plants
- Apply insecticidal soap directly on thrips
- Use sticky traps to capture adult thrips
- Release predator mites to consume thrips
- Avoid excess nitrogen fertilization that attracts thrips
Staying vigilant and identifying any insects promptly will allow you to take prompt action to protect your African corn lilies using safe, effective organic control methods. Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides that can harm beneficials like ladybugs and bees.
With some knowledge of common African corn lily pests, you can enjoy wave after wave of glorious blooms. Check plants often and be prepared to take action at the first signs of infestation. A strategic integrated pest management approach combining biological, cultural, and mechanical tactics as needed will help nip most corn lily pest problems in the bud.
Canna Lily Pest Control
Many of the sucking insects can simply be rinsed off. Others may require a few weeks of spraying with horticultural oil or soap. In the greenhouse, wipe off leaves with a dilution of rubbing alcohol to control scale and mealybugs. Handpicking and crushing the larger caterpillars, slugs, and snails is effective but rather distasteful. Bait and traps are often your best allies, as well as removing any old plant material that can overwinter and harbor pests. One of the hardest insects to control is the Canna leafroller. This larvae survives winter in rolled leaves on the plant. Remove and destroy these leaves in winter. If the plant is heavily infested, spray with Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural bacteria that is very effective against a host of larvae.
How to plant a pot of Ixia (corn lily)
FAQ
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What is an African corn lily?
The African corn lily, scientifically known as Ixia, is a captivating plant that adds vibrancy and charm to any garden or indoor space. With its striking flowers and easy-care nature, it’s a popular choice among gardening enthusiasts.
Are African corn lilies pest-free?
African corn lilies are generally pest-free, but they can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and thrips. If you notice any signs of infestation, treat the plant with an appropriate insecticide or miticide. Fungal diseases, such as botrytis and powdery mildew, can also affect the plant.
Can You Grow African corn lily outside?
The African corn lily, scientifically known as Ixia, is a captivating plant that adds vibrancy and charm to any garden or indoor space. If you’re growing the plant outdoors, dig up the corms in the fall before the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place.
How do you care for African corn lilies?
African corn lilies require regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength. Stop fertilizing in the fall when the plant goes dormant. 5.