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Mirror Bush · Coprosma repens

Why are there bumps on my Mirror Bush leaves?

Mirror Bush is prone to scale insects that look like small, hard bumps on the stems and leaves. Check your plant closely for these tiny invaders that suck the sap from your foliage.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny bumps.
  2. Rub the white spots to see if they wipe off like dust.
  3. Check for sticky residue on the leaves or floor.

Likely causes

  1. Scale Insects

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small, brown or tan bumps that can be scraped off with a fingernail. They often cluster along the veins of the leaves or on the stems.

    What to do: Scrape off the visible insects with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Follow up by spraying the entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks.

  2. Powdery Mildew

    Possible

    How to tell: This looks like a white, dusty coating on the surface of the leaves. It usually happens when there is poor air circulation around the plant.

    What to do: Prune away the most heavily affected leaves to improve airflow. Treat the remaining foliage with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1 gallon of water.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your mirror bush

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 the infestation covers more than half the plant, it may be too late to save the foliage. A few bumps are normal to catch early.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your Mirror Bush in a spot with good air circulation and inspect it every time you water.

Mirror Bush: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mirror bush 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

Can I just wash the bugs off?
Washing helps, but you must use alcohol or soap to kill the ones you miss. A simple rinse is rarely enough to stop an active infestation.
Will these pests kill my plant?
If left untreated for a long time, they can weaken the plant significantly. Catching them early makes them very easy to manage.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Mirror Bush

Back to the Mirror Bush 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.