Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for clusters of insects.
- Look for fine webbing between the stems.
- Check if the plant is in a very dry spot.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see small clusters of green or black insects on the undersides of new leaves. They cause the leaves to look curled or yellowed.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.
Spider Mites
PossibleHow to tell: Look for tiny white stippling on the leaves and very fine webbing between stems. These pests love hot and dry conditions.
What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it daily. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth and use insecticidal soap to clear the colony.
Find out what's wrong with your malabar spinach
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
You should worry if the leaves start dropping or if the growth stops entirely. A few bugs are manageable, but a heavy infestation can kill the plant quickly.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your plant healthy with consistent watering and good air circulation. Check your leaves every time you water to catch pests early.
Malabar spinach: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your malabar spinach 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
- Can I still eat the leaves if I find aphids?
- Yes, just wash the leaves thoroughly in cool water to remove the insects. If the leaves are heavily damaged or distorted, it is better to compost them.
- Will these pests spread to my other plants?
- Yes, aphids and spider mites can easily move to nearby plants. Isolate your Malabar spinach until you are sure the pests are gone.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Malabar spinach
- What are these white spots on my Malabar spinach?
- Why is my Malabar spinach growing so leggy?
- Why is my Malabar spinach drooping?
- Why are my Malabar spinach leaves turning yellow?
- Why are the tips of my Malabar spinach leaves turning brown?
- Why is my Malabar spinach suffering from root rot?
- Why are my Malabar spinach leaves curling?
Back to the Malabar spinach 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.