Can I use dish soap to kill the bugs?

Yes, but use a mild, non-detergent soap diluted in water. Avoid soaps with degreasers or scents as they can burn the leaves.

Will the bugs spread to my other plants?

Yes, aphids and spider mites travel easily. Isolate your Trailing eclipta until the pests are completely gone.

Why are there bugs on my Trailing eclipta? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves with a magnifying glass.
Check the new growth tips for clusters of insects.
Look for fine webbing between the stems.

Likely causes

Aphids
Most likely
How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the tender new stems. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the plant down with a strong stream of water to knock them off. Follow up by applying insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Spider mites
Possible
How to tell: Look for tiny white stippling on the leaves and very fine webbing between the stems. These pests thrive in dry, warm conditions.
What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it daily. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and use neem oil once a week to clear the infestation.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your false daisy

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.

When to worry

If the leaves start curling or turning yellow from the damage, you need to act immediately. A few stray bugs are normal, but a full colony will stunt growth.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant well watered and avoid letting the soil dry out completely. Regularly misting the foliage helps deter spider mites.

False daisy: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your false daisy 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I use dish soap to kill the bugs?: Yes, but use a mild, non-detergent soap diluted in water. Avoid soaps with degreasers or scents as they can burn the leaves.
Will the bugs spread to my other plants?: Yes, aphids and spider mites travel easily. Isolate your Trailing eclipta until the pests are completely gone.

Why are there bugs on my Trailing eclipta?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your false daisy?

Likely causes

Aphids

Spider mites

Find out what's wrong with your false daisy

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

False daisy: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with False daisy