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Queensland kauri · Agathis robusta

What are these bugs on my Queensland kauri?

It is less common for this plant to get pests, so this usually happens when the plant is already stressed by poor light or airflow. Check the undersides of the leaves for small insects first.

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. Examine the stems for small bumps.
  2. Look for fine webbing between the needles.
  3. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to check for residue.

Likely causes

  1. Scale Insects

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see small brown bumps on the stems or leaves that look like tiny shells. They often leave a sticky residue behind.

    What to do: Gently scrape them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Repeat this weekly until you see no more bumps.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: You notice fine webbing between the leaves or tiny yellow spots on the foliage. These pests thrive in dry conditions.

    What to do: Wipe the needles down with a damp cloth to remove the webs. Increase the humidity around the plant to discourage them from returning.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your queensland kauri

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 infestation covers the entire plant and the needles are turning yellow, take action immediately. A few isolated bugs can usually be managed with manual removal.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper light and airflow. Regularly inspect the foliage during your watering routine.

Queensland kauri: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your queensland kauri 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 soap on my tree?
Yes, a mild insecticidal soap works well. Test a small area first to ensure the needles do not react poorly.
How do I stop them from coming back?
Keep the plant clean and ensure it has good air circulation. Avoid overcrowding it with other plants.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Queensland kauri

Back to the Queensland kauri 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.