Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Look closely at the undersides of the leaves.
- Check the flower buds for sticky residue.
- Observe if ants are climbing the stems to farm the aphids.
Likely causes
Oleander Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see clusters of small, bright yellow or orange insects on the stems and buds. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the aphids off with a strong blast of water from your garden hose. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap directly to the bugs in the early morning.
Milkweed Bugs
PossibleHow to tell: These are orange and black insects that feed on the seeds and stems. They are usually more of a nuisance than a threat to the plant's health.
What to do: Hand pick the bugs off the plant if their numbers become high. They rarely cause enough damage to require chemical intervention.
Find out what's wrong with your butterfly weed
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Small numbers of aphids are normal and provide food for beneficial insects like ladybugs. Only intervene if the plant shows signs of stunted growth or wilting.
Stopping it coming back
Avoid using broad spectrum pesticides, as these kill the beneficial predators that naturally keep aphid populations in check.
Butterfly weed: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your butterfly weed 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Will aphids kill my Butterfly weed?
- Usually no. While they can be unsightly, established plants can handle a moderate infestation without long term damage.
- Are these bugs harmful to butterflies?
- Aphids are not harmful to butterflies, but heavy pesticide use is. Always choose gentle methods like water sprays first.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Butterfly weed
- Why is my Butterfly weed dying from root rot?
- Why are my Butterfly weed leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Butterfly weed growing tall and floppy?
- Why is my Butterfly weed drooping?
- What are these spots on my Butterfly weed leaves?
- Why is my butterfly weed not flowering?
- Why are my butterfly weed leaves curling?
Back to the Butterfly weed 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.