How to Get Rid of Snails on Dragon Fingers Plant

Dragon Fingers Plant, also known as Senecio rowleyanus, is a popular houseplant with delicate and unique foliage. However, it is also a favorite food of snails, which can damage or even kill the plant. If you notice that your Dragon Fingers Plant is being attacked by snails, it’s important to take action as soon as possible to save your plant. In this article, we will discuss some effective ways to get rid of snails on Dragon Fingers Plant.

Identify the Signs of Snail Infestation

Before you start treating your Dragon Fingers Plant for snails, you need to make sure that it is actually being attacked by these pests. Some of the signs of snail infestation include:

• Chewed leaves
• Silvery slime trails on the leaves or potting soil
• Presence of snails or their eggs on the plant or in the potting soil

If you observe any of these signs, it’s likely that your Dragon Fingers Plant has a snail infestation.

Manual Removal

One way to get rid of snails on your Dragon Fingers Plant is to manually remove them. This is a time-consuming process, but it can be effective if you only have a few snails on your plant. To manually remove snails:

1. Check your plant every day and remove any visible snails by hand.
2. Use a pair of tweezers or gloves to pick up the snails and drop them into a container filled with soapy water.
3. Repeat this process until you have removed all the visible snails from your plant.

Use Natural Repellents

There are several natural repellents that can help keep snails away from your Dragon Fingers Plant. These include:

1. Copper tape: Place a strip of copper tape around the base of your plant or the rim of the pot. Snails don’t like to cross copper, so this can be an effective deterrent.
2. Coffee grounds: Sprinkle used coffee grounds around the base of your plant. The caffeine in the coffee repels snails and also adds nutrients to the soil.
3. Eggshells: Crush eggshells into small pieces and sprinkle them around the base of your plant. The sharp edges of the eggshells deter snails.

Use Chemical Treatments

If manual removal and natural repellents don’t work, you may need to use chemical treatments to get rid of snails on your Dragon Fingers Plant. There are several chemical treatments available, including:

1. Slug pellets: These contain a poison that kills snails when they eat them. Place the pellets around the base of your plant or in the potting soil.
2. Iron phosphate bait: This is a non-toxic alternative to slug pellets that kills snails by interfering with their digestive system.
3. Beer traps: Place a shallow dish filled with beer near your plant. Snails are attracted to the beer and will crawl into the dish, where they will drown.

It’s important to follow the instructions on any chemical treatment carefully and use them only as directed.

Prevent Future Infestations

Once you have gotten rid of snails on your Dragon Fingers Plant, it’s important to take steps to prevent future infestations. Some ways to do this include:

1. Keep your plant well-watered: Snails are attracted to moist environments, so make sure not to overwater your plant.
2. Keep your plant clean: Remove any dead leaves or debris from around your plant, as these can provide hiding places for snails.
3. Check new plants before bringing them inside: Snails can hitch a ride on other plants, so inspect any new plants before bringing them into your home.

FAQ

Are snails harmful to Dragon Fingers Plant?

Yes, snails can be harmful to Dragon Fingers Plant. They can chew on the leaves and damage or even kill the plant.

Can I use pesticides to get rid of snails on my Dragon Fingers Plant?

Pesticides can be harmful to your plant and the environment. It’s best to try natural repellents or manual removal before resorting to pesticides.

Can I use salt to get rid of snails on my Dragon Fingers Plant?

Salt can be harmful to your plant and the soil. It’s best to try other methods of snail control.

In conclusion, getting rid of snails on your Dragon Fingers Plant requires patience and persistence. By identifying the signs of infestation, using natural repellents or chemical treatments, and taking steps to prevent future infestations, you can successfully protect your plant from these pests.