How to Get Rid of Snails on Purple Queen Plant

Introduction

Purple Queen (Tradescantia pallida) is a beautiful plant with its vibrant purple foliage, making it a popular choice for gardens and indoor spaces. However, like many plants, Purple Queen can fall prey to pests, including snails. These slimy creatures can be a nuisance and cause damage to the plant if not controlled. In this article, we will discuss effective methods to get rid of snails on Purple Queen plants.

Understanding Snail Behavior

Before we delve into the various methods of snail control, it is important to understand their behavior. Snails are nocturnal creatures that thrive in moist environments. They are attracted to plants with succulent leaves, such as Purple Queen, as they provide a good source of food and moisture. Snails leave behind silvery slime trails as they move, and they can quickly multiply if left unchecked.

Manual Removal

One of the simplest ways to control snails on Purple Queen plants is through manual removal. During the early morning or late evening when snails are most active, inspect your plants carefully for any signs of snail activity. Look for slime trails, chewed leaves, or the snails themselves hiding in the foliage.

Once you spot a snail, wear gloves to protect your hands and remove them manually. You can either relocate them to another area away from your plants or dispose of them by placing them in a sealed container and freezing them.

Create Barriers

Creating physical barriers around your Purple Queen plant can be an effective method to prevent snails from reaching them. There are several options you can consider:

Copper: Snails have a negative reaction to copper, so placing copper tape or strips around the base of the plant can deter them from climbing up and reaching the foliage.
Eggshells: Crushed eggshells can act as a sharp barrier that snails prefer to avoid. Sprinkle the crushed eggshells around the base of the plant to create a deterrent.
Diatomaceous Earth: Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance made up of fossilized aquatic organisms. It works by drying out the snails’ bodies, causing them to dehydrate and die. Sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth around your Purple Queen plant, focusing on areas where snails are likely to crawl.

Natural Predators

Introducing natural predators to your garden can help control the snail population. Some animals and insects feed on snails and can be beneficial for snail control:

Ducks or chickens: If you have a larger garden or outdoor space, consider introducing ducks or chickens. They love to eat snails and will actively seek them out.
Ground beetles: Ground beetles are natural predators of snails and slugs. Encourage their population by providing suitable habitats such as mulch or rocks.
Birds: Attracting birds to your garden can help control snail populations naturally. Install bird feeders and birdbaths to entice birds into your garden.

Organic Snail Baits

If manual removal and natural predators are not enough to control the snail population on your Purple Queen plant, you may consider using organic snail baits. These baits contain iron phosphate, which is non-toxic to humans, pets, and wildlife but fatal to snails and slugs.

Apply the bait according to the manufacturer’s instructions, focusing on areas where snails are most active. It is important to note that organic snail baits should be used sparingly and as a last resort, as they can also harm beneficial insects.

Cultural Practices

Implementing certain cultural practices in your garden can make it less attractive to snails:

Watering: Snails thrive in moist environments, so avoid overwatering your Purple Queen plant. Water the plant early in the morning to allow the soil to dry out during the day.
Mulching: Snails love to hide under mulch, so avoid placing mulch directly against the base of your plants. Leave a small gap between the mulch and the plant to discourage snails from taking shelter.
Pruning: Regularly prune your Purple Queen plant to maintain good airflow and reduce hiding places for snails. Remove any dead or decaying leaves as they can attract snails.

Conclusion

Snails can be a frustrating pest on Purple Queen plants, but with some proactive measures, you can effectively control their population. By manually removing snails, creating barriers, introducing natural predators, using organic snail baits sparingly, and implementing cultural practices, you can ensure that your Purple Queen plant remains healthy and vibrant. Remember to monitor your plant regularly for any signs of snail activity and take action promptly to prevent damage.