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How to Get Rid of Snails on Emerald Gem Plant

Updated: March 19, 2023

Emerald Gem is a popular plant grown for its lush green foliage and beautiful flowers. This plant is a great addition to any garden or indoor space. However, it is susceptible to snail infestations. Snails can cause serious damage to the plant by eating the leaves and flowers. In this article, we will discuss some effective ways to get rid of snails on Emerald Gem plant.

Identify Snail Infestation

Before we discuss how to get rid of snails, it is important to identify if your Emerald Gem plant is suffering from a snail infestation. Some signs of snail infestation are:

  • Holes in leaves
  • Irregularly shaped holes
  • Slime trails on the leaves and soil
  • Presence of snails around the plant

If you notice any of these signs, then your Emerald Gem plant is likely suffering from a snail infestation.

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Snails

Here are some natural ways to get rid of snails on Emerald Gem plant:

Handpicking

One of the easiest ways to get rid of snails is by handpicking them off the plant. This method may be time-consuming but it is effective. Go out at night with a flashlight and pick off any snails that you see on your Emerald Gem plant.

Copper Tape

Copper tape is a great way to keep snails away from your Emerald Gem plant. Snails do not like the sensation of copper and will avoid touching it. Simply wrap copper tape around the base of the pot or around the stem of the plant.

Eggshells

Crushed eggshells can act as a physical barrier to prevent snails from reaching your Emerald Gem plant. Sprinkle crushed eggshells around the base of the pot or around the stem of the plant.

Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds are also an effective way to keep snails away from your Emerald Gem plant. Snails do not like the caffeine in coffee and will avoid it. Simply sprinkle used coffee grounds around the base of the pot or around the stem of the plant.

Chemical Ways to Get Rid of Snails

If natural methods do not work, then you may need to use chemical methods to get rid of snails on your Emerald Gem plant. Here are some chemical ways to get rid of snails:

Slug Pellets

Slug pellets contain metaldehyde which is toxic to snails. Simply sprinkle slug pellets around the base of the pot or around the stem of the plant. However, be careful when using slug pellets as they can also harm other animals such as birds and hedgehogs.

Snail Bait

Snail bait contains iron phosphate which is also toxic to snails. Simply sprinkle snail bait around the base of the pot or around the stem of the plant. Snail bait is safer for other animals as it breaks down into natural components.

FAQ

How do I prevent snails from coming back?

To prevent snails from coming back, you can:

  • Keep your garden clean and free from debris
  • Remove any dead leaves and flowers from your Emerald Gem plant
  • Water your plant early in the morning to prevent moisture buildup
  • Use natural repellents such as coffee grounds and eggshells around your plant

Can snail infestations harm my Emerald Gem plant?

Yes, snail infestations can cause serious damage to your Emerald Gem plant by eating its leaves and flowers.

Are there any non-toxic ways to get rid of snails on my Emerald Gem plant?

Yes, you can use natural repellents such as copper tape, crushed eggshells, and coffee grounds to keep snails away from your Emerald Gem plant.

In conclusion, a snail infestation can be a nuisance to your Emerald Gem plant. However, by following the above-mentioned methods, you can effectively get rid of snails and prevent them from coming back. Remember to use natural methods first and resort to chemical methods only if necessary.