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Short-fruited willowherb · Epilobium obscurum

What are the bugs on my Epilobium obscurum?

It is less common for this plant to suffer from severe pest infestations, as it is generally quite hardy. When pests do appear, they are usually aphids or spider mites attracted by dry conditions. Check the undersides of the leaves for small insects or 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 small bugs.
  2. Look for sticky residue or webbing on the stems.
  3. Check if the soil has been allowed to dry out too much.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the new growth and 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 until they are gone.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves look stippled or yellow, and you notice fine, silky webbing between the stems.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant and wash the foliage with water. Use neem oil if the infestation is heavy, applying it every 7 days.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your short-fruited 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

Small numbers of insects are often manageable, but you should act if you see leaf curling or stunted growth. It is normal to see an occasional stray insect in an outdoor garden.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant well watered to prevent stress, as healthy plants are better at resisting pest attacks.

Short-fruited willowherb: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your short-fruited 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 chemical pesticides?
It is better to avoid harsh chemicals to protect local pollinators that visit these flowers. Stick to water sprays or mild insecticidal soaps.
Will these pests kill my plant?
Usually not, but they can weaken the plant and make it susceptible to other issues like rust or stunted growth.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Short-fruited willowherb

Back to the Short-fruited 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.