ru, i'm moving this post down in the pests section! we are so glad to have you back, wondered where you have been, but i do want you to get an answer!!

Have a close look right down inside the plant, under any litter ot between branches etc. There's probably a fat caterpillar or something hiding in there thru the day. Or, go out atnight with a flashlight and catch the culprit.

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The secret is the soil.

Any ideas how to keep them at bay?
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Depends what it is. If it is a caterpillar, just remove it/them. Look hard, they're good at hiding.

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The secret is the soil.

RU, How little are the little black droppings?

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Mike Maier
aka
The Plant Doc

Yeah, that sounds like caterpillar fras. Unless you can catch the critters and pick them off pretty much your only other alternative would be some sort of pesticide. You can use Merit and water your plant with that. That way only insects eating the plant would be harmed. If they are in pots you could try putting some "Tanglefoot" around the base of the pot. This is a sticky substance which is normally used around the base of trees to keep tent and gypsy moth caterpillars from climbing up.

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Mike Maier
aka
The Plant Doc