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Lucky Bamboo · Dracaena sanderiana

Why are there tiny bugs on my Lucky Bamboo?

Spider mites are the most common pests for Lucky Bamboo, especially in dry indoor air. They are tiny and hard to see, but they cause noticeable damage to the leaves. Check the undersides of the leaves for fine webbing.

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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 webs.
  2. Look for small moving specks on the stems.
  3. Check if the leaves look dusty or speckled.

Likely causes

  1. Spider mites

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see tiny yellow dots on the leaves and fine, dusty webs between the stems. The leaves may look dull or faded.

    What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. You can also use a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.

  2. Dry indoor air

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant is in a very dry spot, making it a target for mites. Leaves look stressed and lose their vibrant color.

    What to do: Increase humidity by misting the plant regularly. Move the plant away from heaters or fans that dry out the air.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your lucky bamboo

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

Spider mites multiply quickly, so treat them as soon as you see them. If the infestation covers the whole plant, it may be difficult to save.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the leaves clean by wiping them with a damp cloth every few weeks. Maintain good humidity to discourage mites from settling in.

Lucky Bamboo: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lucky bamboo 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 use household soap to kill them?
Use a mild, non-detergent soap diluted in water. Avoid harsh dish soaps that might damage the plant leaves.
Do I need to isolate the plant?
Yes, move the infested plant away from your other houseplants immediately. Mites can easily travel to nearby plants.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Lucky Bamboo

Back to the Lucky Bamboo 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.