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Joseph's coat · Alternanthera dentata

Why does my Joseph's coat have bugs?

Seeing pests on your Joseph's coat is common because its lush foliage is a magnet for sap suckers. Check the undersides of the leaves first 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 leaves for webbing or clusters of insects.
  2. Check the stems for sticky residue.
  3. Isolate the plant from your other houseplants.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustering on new growth and flower buds. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the plant down with a steady stream of water to knock them off. Follow up by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Spider mites

    Most likely

    How to tell: Look for fine, dusty webbing between the stems and leaves. The leaves may also look speckled or yellowed.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant, as mites hate moisture. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and treat with neem oil once a week for 3 weeks.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your joseph's coat

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

Worry if the leaves start curling or dropping rapidly. A few stray bugs are manageable, but a full infestation can weaken the plant quickly.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the leaves clean by wiping them occasionally and ensure good airflow around the plant. Check your plant weekly when you water.

Joseph's coat: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your joseph's coat 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 dish soap to kill the bugs?
You can, but make sure it is a mild, non-detergent soap. Mix one teaspoon of soap per quart of water and spray it on the pests.
Will these bugs spread to my other plants?
Yes, pests like aphids and mites move easily between plants. Keep the infested Joseph's coat in a separate room until it is completely clear.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Joseph's coat

Back to the Joseph's coat 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.