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black bindweed · Fallopia convolvulus

Are there bugs on my black bindweed?

It is less common for this plant to suffer from pests, but aphids or spider mites can occasionally appear when the plant is stressed. Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects or webbing.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves with a flashlight.
  2. Look for fine webbing between the stems.
  3. Check for sticky residue on the leaves or stems.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Possible

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

    What to do: Spray the plant with a steady stream of water to knock the aphids off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Fine, silky webbing appears between the stems or leaves. The leaves develop tiny yellow stippling marks and look generally unhealthy.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting it daily. Use a neem oil spray to treat the infestation, ensuring you cover the undersides of the leaves.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your black bindweed

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 manageable, but if you see heavy webbing or significant leaf damage, you need to act immediately to save the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper light and water, and inspect it regularly for early signs of intruders.

Black bindweed: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your black bindweed 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 household soap to kill the bugs?
Avoid harsh dish soaps, as they can burn the leaves. Use a dedicated insecticidal soap or a mild, diluted horticultural soap.
Will these pests spread to my other plants?
Yes, aphids and spider mites can travel between plants. Isolate your bindweed until the infestation is completely cleared.

Guides to these causes

More problems with black bindweed

Back to the black bindweed 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.