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Marsh willowherb · Epilobium palustre

Why does my marsh willowherb have pests?

It is less common for this plant to suffer from heavy pest infestations, as aphids are the primary culprit when they do appear. Check the undersides of the leaves for small clusters of insects first.

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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 the leaves for tiny moving insects.
  2. Look for fine webbing between the stems.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see tiny green or black insects clustered on new growth or the undersides of leaves. The leaves may also look sticky from honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, use an insecticidal soap spray once a week until they are gone.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Fine webbing appears between the leaves and the foliage looks stippled or pale. This usually happens if the air is too dry.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting it or placing it in a wetter area. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your marsh 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 pests are usually manageable, but you should act if you see significant leaf damage or yellowing. It is normal to see an occasional stray bug in an outdoor garden.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant well watered and in a high humidity environment to discourage spider mites. Regularly check your plants for early signs of aphids.

Marsh willowherb: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your marsh 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 on my marsh willowherb?
Yes, you can use neem oil, but apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun. Follow the label instructions carefully.
Will these pests kill my plant?
Usually not, but a heavy infestation can weaken the plant and make it susceptible to other issues. Treat early to keep your plant vigorous.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Marsh willowherb

Back to the Marsh 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.