Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Look closely at the undersides of the leaves.
- Check the stems for bumps that do not move.
- Feel the leaves for a sticky residue.
Likely causes
Scale Insects
Most likelyHow to tell: You see small, immobile brown or white bumps on the stems and leaf undersides. The leaves may look shiny or sticky from honeydew.
What to do: Scrape off light infestations with a soft brush or your fingernail. For larger issues, spray the plant thoroughly with horticultural oil or neem oil every 7 to 10 days.
Aphids
PossibleHow to tell: Clusters of tiny green or black insects gather on the tender new growth tips. The leaves may look curled or distorted.
What to do: Blast the aphids off with a strong stream of water from your hose. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap directly to the insects every 5 days until they are gone.
When to worry
If you see black sooty mold growing on the sticky honeydew, the infestation is heavy and needs immediate treatment. A few stray bugs are normal in a garden setting.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant healthy with proper watering and avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which attracts aphids.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your camellia.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Are these bugs going to kill my camellia?
- A light infestation is rarely fatal, but heavy populations can weaken the plant and make it susceptible to other diseases. Treat them as soon as you spot them.
- Can I just wash the leaves?
- Yes, washing the leaves with a mild soap solution is a great first step. It removes the honeydew and many of the pests at the same time.
More problems with Camellia
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.