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Philadelphia fleabane · Erigeron philadelphicus

What are the bugs on my Philadelphia fleabane?

It is less common for this plant to get pests, but it usually happens when the plant is stressed by poor air circulation or drought. Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects or webbing.

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

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the undersides of the leaves.
  2. Check the new growth for sticky residue.
  3. Inspect the stems for fine webbing.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the new growth or flower buds. The leaves may look sticky or curled.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a steady stream of water to knock the bugs off. Use insecticidal soap once a week if they return.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Fine webbing appears between the leaves and stems. The leaves look speckled or pale.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. Apply neem oil to the affected areas every 7 days.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your philadelphia fleabane

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

A few bugs are manageable, but a heavy infestation that covers the stems is serious. If the plant is losing vigor, act quickly.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper watering and ensure there is plenty of space between plants for air to move.

Philadelphia fleabane: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your philadelphia fleabane 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 home remedies for pests?
A mix of water and a few drops of mild dish soap works well for most common pests. Always test a small leaf first to ensure it does not burn.
Will pests kill my plant?
Most pests just weaken the plant by sucking its sap. If left untreated for a long time, the plant may eventually die.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Philadelphia fleabane

Back to the Philadelphia fleabane 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.