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Camellia

How do I get rid of pests on my common camellia?

Camellias are prone to scale insects and aphids that hide on the undersides of leaves or along stems. These pests suck the sap and leave behind sticky honeydew that attracts mold. Check the stems closely for small bumps that look like tiny shells.

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

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the undersides of the leaves.
  2. Check the stems for bumps that do not move.
  3. Feel the leaves for a sticky residue.

Likely causes

  1. Scale Insects

    Most likely

    How 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.

  2. Aphids

    Possible

    How 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.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your camellia

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

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.

Camellia: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your camellia 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

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.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Camellia

Back to the Camellia 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.