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Upright hedge bedstraw · Galium album

Why are there bugs on my Upright hedge bedstraw?

Seeing tiny insects on your Upright hedge bedstraw is usually a sign of aphids. These pests love the tender new growth and can multiply quickly if left alone. Check the undersides of leaves and the tips of stems 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 small clusters of insects.
  2. Look for sticky residue or fine webbing on the stems.
  3. Check nearby plants to see if the pests have spread.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see clusters of small green or black insects on the stems and leaf undersides. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Look for fine webbing between the stems or leaves. The foliage may also appear stippled or pale.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. Use neem oil if the infestation is heavy.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your upright hedge bedstraw

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

It is time to worry if the plant starts losing leaves or shows stunted growth. A few stray bugs are normal, but a full colony will weaken the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with proper light and water to help it resist infestations. Regularly wipe leaves down to keep them clean.

Upright hedge bedstraw: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your upright hedge bedstraw 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

Will these bugs kill my plant?
Usually not, but they can weaken it significantly. It is best to treat them as soon as you spot them.
Can I use household soap to kill them?
Avoid harsh dish soaps as they can burn the leaves. Stick to insecticidal soap or a mild, diluted soap solution.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Upright hedge bedstraw

Back to the Upright hedge bedstraw 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.