Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Look closely for fine webbing between branches.
- Check for small, stationary bumps on the stems.
- Wipe the needles to see if any sticky residue comes off.
Likely causes
Spider Mites
Most likelyHow to tell: You will notice fine, silk-like webbing between the needles. The foliage may look dusty or lose its vibrant green color.
What to do: Wash the plant down with a steady stream of water. Apply insecticidal soap every 7 days for 3 weeks to ensure you catch any hatching eggs.
Scale Insects
RareHow to tell: These look like small, stationary bumps on the stems or needles. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.
What to do: Gently scrape off the scale insects with a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, use a horticultural oil spray.
When to worry
If you see heavy webbing covering the entire tree, the infestation is severe. Small numbers of pests are manageable if you act immediately.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the tree healthy with proper watering and avoid placing it in areas with stagnant, hot air.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your blue cypress.
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 harmful to other plants?
- Yes, spider mites can easily spread to nearby houseplants. Isolate your cypress until you are sure the pests are gone.
- Can I use chemical pesticides?
- It is better to start with gentle options like water sprays or insecticidal soap. Harsh chemicals can sometimes damage the delicate foliage of a cypress.
More problems with Blue cypress
Back to the Blue cypress guide
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.