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Vinca · Catharanthus roseus

What are these bugs on my Madagascar periwinkle?

Aphids are the most frequent visitors to these plants, often hiding on new growth. Take a close look at the tips of your stems to confirm.

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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 underside of the leaves.
  2. Check the new growth at the tips of the stems.
  3. See if there is a sticky residue on the leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see small green or black insects clustered on the undersides of leaves and new buds.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Environmental stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant is weak from low light, making it more attractive to pests.

    What to do: Move your plant to a spot with bright indirect light. A healthy plant is much better at resisting pest attacks.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your vinca

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

A few aphids are manageable, but if they cover the entire plant, they will stunt growth and spread disease.

Stopping it coming back

Check your plants weekly for signs of insects and keep them in bright light.

Vinca: pests? Check yours with a photo

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

Will aphids kill my plant?
They can weaken it significantly and spread viruses. It is best to treat them as soon as you spot them.
Do I need harsh chemicals?
No, insecticidal soap or even a simple water blast is usually enough to control them.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Vinca

Back to the Vinca 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.