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Sun spurge · Euphorbia helioscopia

What are these bugs on my Sun spurge?

It is less common for this plant to have severe pest issues, but it can occasionally attract aphids or spider mites. 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 with a magnifying glass.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the stems.
  3. Check for fine webbing between the leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see small clusters of green or black insects on the new growth or flower buds.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a steady stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, use a mild insecticidal soap once a week for 2 to 3 weeks.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: You notice tiny yellow spots on the leaves and very fine webbing between the stems.

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

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your sun spurge

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 usually manageable, but you should worry if the leaves start curling or turning yellow rapidly. If the infestation covers the whole plant, it may be time to prune back the worst stems.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper light and water, and inspect it every time you water to catch pests early.

Sun spurge: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sun spurge 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

Are these pests harmful to me?
The pests themselves are not harmful, but the sap of the Sun spurge is a milky latex that can irritate your skin. Always wear gloves when handling the plant or cleaning off pests.
Can I use household soap to kill the bugs?
Avoid using harsh dish soaps, as they can damage the plant leaves. Use a dedicated insecticidal soap or a very gentle castile soap diluted in water.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Sun spurge

Back to the Sun spurge 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.