Agapanthus and Pests

Agapanthus Description

• The Agapanthus plant, or African lily, is native to South Africa and is a member of the lily family. The flower features long, shiny, strap-like green leaves and stems that reach heights of 2 to 6 feet. Blooms are white to dark blue in color and appear in clusters at the plant's top. They remain evergreen in mild winter climates and can remain outdoors so long as temperatures do not fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Water and fertilize these flowers weekly when blooming. They can grow in both full sun and partial shade, though African lilies grown in hot climates should be set in partial shade. African lilies work as both garden and house plants.

Snails

• Snails and slugs are some of the most common agapanthus pests, particularly if grown in shady areas. A type of mollusk related to shellfish rather than insects, snails feature soft, unsegmented bodies protected by hard, calcareous shells. Slugs are snails without shells. Snails are generally gray in color, though shell color can vary from white to brown to mottled or striped black. The heads of snails and slugs feature a pair of tentacles, or feelers. They vary in size, depending on the species and individual.
  Avoid watering in the evening, when slugs and snails are most active. They are attracted to damp areas. Use seaweed, copper strips and diatomaceous earth to deter slugs and snails. Beer is an attractant that can be used to bait them.

Red Spiders

• Red spiders, also known as spider mites, are another possible agapanthus pest. A common houseplant pest, they are also found on the foliage and fruit of orchard trees. Red spiders are about 0.02 inches in length, though not all are red in color. Some are yellow, green and orange. They spin loose silk webbing on infested plants, which is why they are commonly mistaken as spiders. Heavy infestations result in complete defoliation of plants.
  Use natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings for garden infestations. Keep plants free of dust and debris to avoid attracting them indoors.

Mealybugs

• Mealybugs are a third potential agapanthus pest, of which there are several species. Some species feature long tails of fluffy wax, while others appear covered in fluffy wax. They are up to 0.11 inches long. Females feature oval-shaped, wingless bodies, and males are gnat-like in appearance with two wings and wax tails. They infest many species of ornamental plants and are difficult to control because eggs are covered in waxy substances. Use cotton swabs dipped in nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol to remove early insect infestations on plants, and use contact insecticides on large infestations.