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Thale cress · Arabidopsis thaliana

How do I get rid of pests on my Arabidopsis thaliana?

Pests are less common for this plant, but it can occasionally attract common houseplant invaders like aphids or spider mites. Check the undersides of the leaves and the stems for any signs of movement or webbing.

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of all leaves carefully.
  2. Look for fine webbing or sticky residue.
  3. Isolate the plant from others to prevent spreading.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: Small green or black insects clustering on new growth. You might see sticky residue on the leaves.

    What to do: Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or use a gentle stream of water to wash them off. For persistent cases, apply insecticidal soap once a week.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Fine webbing between leaves and tiny yellow dots on the foliage. The plant may look dusty.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant to discourage mites. Wipe leaves down with neem oil every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your thale cress

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 you see the plant's growth slowing down or leaves curling due to damage. Small numbers are manageable, but heavy infestations require immediate action.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant clean by wiping leaves occasionally. Inspect new plants before bringing them near your Arabidopsis.

Thale cress: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your thale cress 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?
Avoid harsh dish soaps as they can damage the leaves. Stick to insecticidal soap or a very mild diluted castile soap.
Will these pests kill my plant?
If left untreated, yes. They sap the plant's energy and can spread disease, so treat them as soon as you spot them.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Thale cress

Back to the Thale cress 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.