Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Look closely at the undersides of the leaves.
- Check the flower buds for tiny clusters of insects.
- Look for fine webbing between the stems.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: You see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the new growth or flower buds.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks.
Spider Mites
PossibleHow to tell: Fine webbing appears between the leaves and the foliage looks stippled or pale.
What to do: Increase humidity around the plant and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. Use neem oil spray every 7 days until the mites are gone.
Find out what's wrong with your china pink
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
If you see large colonies covering the plant or the leaves begin to yellow and drop, you need to act fast. A few stray bugs are manageable with simple cleaning.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant in a spot with good air circulation to discourage pests. Inspect your plant weekly while watering.
China pink: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your china pink 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I use household soap to kill these bugs?
- Avoid using harsh dish soaps as they can burn the leaves. Stick to insecticidal soap specifically made for garden plants.
- Do these pests spread to other plants?
- Yes, aphids and spider mites can easily move to nearby plants. Isolate your China pink until the infestation is completely cleared.
Guides to these causes
More problems with China pink
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.