How to Get Rid of Slaters on Chocolate Soldier Plant

If you’re a plant enthusiast, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with pests. One of the most common pests that can affect your plants is slaters. These small crustaceans are also known as woodlice or pillbugs and they can cause significant damage to your plants if left unchecked. In this article, we’ll show you how to get rid of slaters on chocolate soldier plants.

What are Chocolate Soldier Plants?

Before we get into the specifics of getting rid of slaters on chocolate soldier plants, let’s talk a little bit about what these plants are. Chocolate soldier plants (Episcia cupreata) are a type of tropical plant that is native to Central and South America. They are known for their beautiful leaves that come in a variety of colors, including green, red, and purple.

The leaves of chocolate soldier plants are often variegated, which means they have different colors and patterns on them. This makes them a popular choice for indoor gardening and landscaping.

What are Slaters?

Slaters are small crustaceans that belong to the same family as shrimp and lobsters. They are commonly found in damp environments, such as under rocks or logs, and they feed on decaying organic matter. Slaters can also be found in gardens and can cause damage to plants by eating their leaves and stems.

Slaters are not harmful to humans or pets, but they can be a nuisance if they infest your garden or indoor plants.

How to Get Rid of Slaters on Chocolate Soldier Plants

Now that we know what chocolate soldier plants and slaters are, let’s talk about how to get rid of slaters on chocolate soldier plants.

1. Remove dead leaves and debris

Slaters love damp environments, so removing dead leaves and debris from around your plants can help to reduce their numbers. This will also help to improve air circulation around your plants, which can prevent other pests and diseases from taking hold.

2. Water your plants less frequently

Overwatering can create a damp environment that slaters love. Make sure you are only watering your chocolate soldier plants when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. This will help to prevent the soil from becoming too damp and discourage slaters from hanging around.

3. Use a natural insecticide

If removing dead leaves and reducing watering isn’t enough to get rid of slaters on your chocolate soldier plant, you may need to use an insecticide. However, it’s important to choose a natural insecticide that won’t harm your plant or other beneficial insects in your garden.

One effective natural insecticide for slaters is diatomaceous earth. This is a powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are microscopic algae. When slaters come into contact with diatomaceous earth, it cuts their exoskeletons and dehydrates them, causing them to die.

To use diatomaceous earth, simply sprinkle it around the base of your chocolate soldier plant and on the soil surface. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask when applying it, as it can be irritating to the skin and lungs.

4. Introduce natural predators

Another way to get rid of slaters on your chocolate soldier plant is to introduce natural predators that feed on them. One effective predator is the ground beetle, which feeds on slaters as well as other pests like caterpillars and snails.

You can attract ground beetles to your garden by providing them with a habitat, such as a pile of rocks or logs. You can also purchase ground beetles online or at a local gardening center.

FAQ

Are slaters harmful to chocolate soldier plants?

Yes, slaters can cause damage to chocolate soldier plants by eating their leaves and stems.

Can slaters harm humans or pets?

No, slaters are not harmful to humans or pets.

Can I use chemical insecticides on my chocolate soldier plants?

It’s not recommended to use chemical insecticides on chocolate soldier plants, as they can harm the plant and other beneficial insects in your garden. Stick to natural insecticides like diatomaceous earth.

Conclusion

Dealing with pests like slaters can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can get rid of them and keep your chocolate soldier plants healthy and thriving. Remember to remove dead leaves and debris, water your plants less frequently, use a natural insecticide like diatomaceous earth, and introduce natural predators like ground beetles. With a little bit of effort, you can protect your plants from slaters and other pests.