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fringed willowherb · Epilobium ciliatum

How do I get rid of pests on my fringed willowherb?

It is less common for this plant to get pests, and it usually happens when the plant is stressed by poor conditions or brought in from outside. Check the undersides of the leaves first for any signs of webbing or tiny moving spots.

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

Check these first

  1. Examine the undersides of leaves with a magnifying glass.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the stems or leaves.
  3. Check for any webbing near the leaf axils.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: Small green or black insects clustering on the new growth and flower buds.

    What to do: Gently wash the plant with a soft stream of water to dislodge the insects. If they persist, apply a mild insecticidal soap once a week.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Fine webbing between the leaves and tiny yellow stippling on the leaf surface.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting it or using a tray of pebbles and water. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your fringed willowherb

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 you see heavy webbing or the leaves are curling and yellowing, the infestation is severe. It is normal to find an occasional stray insect on plants kept outdoors.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper watering and inspect it regularly, especially if you move it between indoors and outdoors.

Fringed willowherb: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your fringed willowherb 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 neem oil?
Yes, neem oil is effective, but test it on one leaf first to make sure the plant does not react poorly.
Should I isolate the plant?
Yes, move the infested plant away from others immediately to prevent the pests from spreading.

Guides to these causes

More problems with fringed willowherb

Back to the fringed willowherb 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.