What’s Eating My Red Hot Poker Plant?

If you have a red hot poker plant (Kniphofia uvaria) and notice that the leaves are being eaten, don’t panic. While it’s not a common problem, there are a few things that could be causing it.

Let’s take a closer look at what might be eating your red hot poker plant and how to stop it.

One of the most likely culprits is the caterpillar of the Cabbage White Butterfly (Pieris rapae). These caterpillars are voracious eaters and can quickly strip a plant of its leaves. If you suspect that this is what’s eating your red hot poker plant, you’ll need to take action quickly.

PRO TIP:If your red hot poker plant is being eaten, it’s likely due to slugs or snails. To prevent further damage, be sure to pick them off the plant and place them in soapy water, or spray the plant with an organic insecticide.

Hand-pick the caterpillars off of the plant and dispose of them. You can also use an insecticide, but be sure to read and follow the directions carefully.

Another possibility is that your plant is being eaten by slugs or snails. These slimy creatures are often hard to spot, but they can do a lot of damage to a plant in a short amount of time. If you think slugs or snails might be the problem, look for them in the evening when they’re most active.

Hand-pick them off of the plant and dispose of them. You can also try setting out traps baited with beer or placing barriers around the base of the plant (like crushed eggshells).

Whatever is eating your red hot poker plant, taking quick and decisive action is key to saving it. Be sure to inspect your plant regularly so you can catch the problem early and take care of it before too much damage is done.