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Common agapanthus · Agapanthus praecox

Why are there pests on my African Lily?

Pests like aphids or snails can quickly weaken your African Lily by feeding on its sap or chewing on its foliage. Check the undersides of leaves and the flower buds to identify which visitor you have.

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. Look closely at the undersides of the leaves for small insects.
  2. Inspect the flower buds for sticky residue or distortion.
  3. Check the soil surface and pot rim for slugs or snails at night.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see clusters of tiny green or black insects on new growth and flower buds.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. For heavy infestations, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days.

  2. Slugs and Snails

    Possible

    How to tell: Irregular holes in the leaves and slimy trails left on the foliage.

    What to do: Hand pick them off in the evening when they are active. You can also place copper tape around the pot or use organic slug bait.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common agapanthus

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

Small numbers of pests are manageable, but a heavy infestation can stunt growth and ruin flowers. Treat them as soon as you notice them to prevent spread.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around your plant clean of debris and weeds where pests hide. Regularly inspect your plant during the growing season.

Common agapanthus: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common agapanthus 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

Are aphids harmful to my plant?
Yes, they suck sap and can cause leaves to curl and flower buds to fail. They also leave behind a sticky substance that can attract mold.
Do I need to use harsh chemicals?
No, start with gentle methods like water sprays or insecticidal soap. These are usually enough to control common pests on Agapanthus.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Common agapanthus

Back to the Common agapanthus 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.