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Flowering Maple · Abutilon × hybridum

Why are there bugs on my flowering maple?

Flowering maples are magnets for sap sucking insects that hide on the undersides of leaves. Check the undersides of your leaves and the new growth tips immediately to see what you are dealing with.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves with a flashlight.
  2. Look for sticky residue or shiny spots on the foliage.
  3. Check the new growth tips for clusters of small insects.

Likely causes

  1. Whitefly

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny white moth like insects flying up when you disturb the plant. They leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew on the leaves.

    What to do: Spray the entire plant with insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days. Make sure to coat the undersides of every leaf thoroughly. Repeat this for at least 3 weeks to catch new eggs hatching.

  2. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: These are small green or black insects that cluster on new growth and flower buds. They cause leaves to curl and stunt the overall growth of the plant.

    What to do: Wash the plant off with a strong stream of water in the shower or sink. Follow up with a neem oil spray applied once a week until the insects are gone. Keep the plant away from other houseplants while you treat it.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your flowering maple

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

If the leaves are turning yellow and dropping rapidly, the infestation is severe. Small numbers are manageable, but do not wait to treat them.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with consistent watering and good airflow. Regularly wipe down leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and potential hitchhikers.

Flowering Maple: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your flowering maple and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I use household soap to kill these bugs?
Avoid using dish soap, as it can be too harsh for the leaves. Use a dedicated insecticidal soap or a mild horticultural soap designed for plants.
Will these bugs spread to my other plants?
Yes, whiteflies and aphids move quickly between plants. Isolate your flowering maple in a separate room until you are sure the pests are gone.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Flowering Maple

Back to the Flowering Maple guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.