Will aphids kill my plant?

Usually no, but they can stunt growth and ruin the flowers. It is best to manage them early.

Can I use dish soap to kill them?

Use a mild, non detergent soap mixed with water, but be careful as harsh chemicals can burn the leaves. Commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the plant.

Why are there bugs on my Antelope horns? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the tips of the stems for small clusters of insects.
Look for sticky residue on the leaves.
Check if ants are actively climbing the plant.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see tiny soft bodied insects clustering on stems and flower stalks. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the plant with a steady stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Ant farming
Possible
How to tell: You see ants crawling up and down the plant constantly. They are likely protecting the aphids to harvest their honeydew.
What to do: Focus on clearing the aphids first, as the ants will leave once their food source is gone. You can also place a sticky barrier around the base of the stem to stop ants from climbing.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your antelope horns

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.

When to worry

Small numbers are common in spring, but you should act if the aphids start causing the flower buds to deform or stop opening.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with full sun and avoid overfertilizing, as excess nitrogen can attract more aphids.

Antelope horns: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your antelope horns 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will aphids kill my plant?: Usually no, but they can stunt growth and ruin the flowers. It is best to manage them early.
Can I use dish soap to kill them?: Use a mild, non detergent soap mixed with water, but be careful as harsh chemicals can burn the leaves. Commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the plant.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are there bugs on my Antelope horns?