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False indigo bush · Amorpha fruticosa

What is eating my False indigo bush?

It is less common for this plant to have severe pest issues, as it is quite hardy. Check the undersides of the leaves for small insects or webbing first.

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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.
  2. Check for sticky honeydew on the foliage.
  3. Search for fine webbing between stems.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the new growth and sticky residue on the leaves.

    What to do: Spray the aphids off with a strong stream of water from your hose. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Fine webbing appears between the leaves and the foliage looks stippled or pale.

    What to do: Increase humidity around the plant if possible. Use a neem oil spray to treat the infestation every 7 days for 3 weeks.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your false indigo bush

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 insects are usually fine, but you should act if the leaves start curling or turning yellow. It is normal to see a few bugs in a healthy garden.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper sun and water to help it resist infestations.

False indigo bush: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your false indigo bush 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 pesticides?
Try to avoid harsh chemicals as they can harm beneficial pollinators. Stick to soaps or oils first.
Are these pests harmful to the whole plant?
Usually not, but heavy infestations can weaken the plant and make it susceptible to other issues.

Guides to these causes

More problems with False indigo bush

Back to the False indigo bush 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.