Yes, neem oil is effective, but apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the hot sun.

Will aphids kill my plant?

They rarely kill a healthy plant, but they will ruin the flowers and stunt growth if left unchecked.

What are these bugs on my treasure flower? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves and the flower buds.
Look for sticky residue on the foliage.
Check for lines of ants traveling up the stems.

Likely causes

Aphid Infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You see tiny green or black insects clustered on the stems or under the leaves. The leaves may look sticky or distorted.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water from your hose to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap directly to the bugs every 5 to 7 days.
Ant Activity
Possible
How to tell: You notice ants crawling all over the stems. They often farm aphids for their sweet secretions.
What to do: Eliminate the ants by using bait stations away from the plant. Once the ants are gone, the aphids are easier to manage with soap sprays.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your treasure flower

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.

When to worry

A few aphids are normal, but if they cover the buds and cause the leaves to curl, you must act quickly to save the flowers.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper watering and sunlight, as stressed plants are more attractive to pests.

Treasure flower: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your treasure flower 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I use neem oil?: Yes, neem oil is effective, but apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the hot sun.
Will aphids kill my plant?: They rarely kill a healthy plant, but they will ruin the flowers and stunt growth if left unchecked.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

What are these bugs on my treasure flower?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your treasure flower?