Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Inspect the stems closely for raised bumps.
- Rub a leaf to see if it feels sticky.
- Check the undersides of leaves for hiding pests.
Likely causes
Scale Insects
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see small brown or tan bumps that look like tiny shells attached to the stems or leaf veins. If you scrape them with a fingernail, they come off easily.
What to do: Dab each bump with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol to kill them. Follow up by spraying the entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 to 10 days until they are gone.
Mealybugs
PossibleHow to tell: These look like tiny bits of white cotton tucked into the leaf joints. They leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.
What to do: Wipe the white clusters away with an alcohol soaked cloth. Treat the plant with a mild insecticidal soap spray once a week for 3 weeks.
When to worry
If the plant is covered in sticky residue or leaves are turning yellow, act immediately. A few isolated bumps are easy to manage if caught early.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your plant healthy with proper light and airflow, and inspect it every time you water to catch new pests before they spread.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your natal plum.
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
- Can I just wash them off with water?
- A strong spray of water can knock off some pests, but it rarely removes the stubborn scale insects. You need to use alcohol or soap to ensure they are actually dead.
- Will these pests kill my plant?
- A light infestation usually just slows down growth. If left untreated for months, the plant will lose vigor and may eventually die.
More problems with Natal Plum
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.