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Lesser burdock · Arctium minus

What are these pests on my lesser burdock?

It is less common for this plant to have severe pest problems, but aphids or spider mites can occasionally appear in dry, hot weather. Check the undersides of the leaves for small insects or fine webbing first.

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

Check these first

  1. Examine the undersides of the leaves with a magnifying glass.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the foliage.
  3. Check for fine webbing between the stems.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: Small green or black insects cluster on the undersides of leaves and on new growth. You might see a sticky substance called honeydew on the leaves.

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

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Tiny white dots appear on the leaves, and you may see fine, silky webbing between the stems. The leaves eventually look stippled or pale.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting it or keeping the soil consistently moist. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or use neem oil to manage the infestation.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your lesser burdock

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 manageable, but you should worry if the leaves start curling or dropping. Severe infestations can weaken the plant significantly.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper water and light, and inspect the leaves regularly for early signs of visitors.

Lesser burdock: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lesser burdock 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 to kill the pests?
Avoid harsh dish soaps, as they can burn the leaves. Use a mild insecticidal soap specifically formulated for plants.
Will these pests spread to my other plants?
Yes, aphids and spider mites can travel to nearby plants. Isolate your burdock until the pests are completely gone.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Lesser burdock

Back to the Lesser burdock 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.