Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

marsh cudweed · Gnaphalium uliginosum

Are there bugs on my marsh cudweed?

It is less common for this plant to suffer from major pest infestations, but it can occasionally deal with powdery mildew during humid weather. Check the undersides of the leaves for any signs of white, dusty growth or tiny insects.

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 leaves for a white powdery substance.
  2. Look for tiny insects on the undersides of leaves.
  3. Check for sticky residue on the stems.

Likely causes

  1. Powdery Mildew

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see a white, dusty coating on the leaves and stems. This usually happens when the air is very humid and there is poor airflow.

    What to do: Improve air circulation around the plant by spacing it further from others. You can wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or use a neem oil spray if the infection is heavy.

  2. Aphids

    Possible

    How to tell: Look for tiny green or black insects clustered on the new growth or flower buds. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. For persistent cases, apply insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your marsh cudweed

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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

Small amounts of mildew can be managed, but if the entire plant is covered, it may struggle to photosynthesize. Take action as soon as you spot the first signs of white dust.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a well ventilated area and avoid getting water on the leaves when you irrigate.

Marsh cudweed: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your marsh cudweed 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

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

Questions people ask

Is powdery mildew harmful?
It is a fungal issue that weakens the plant by blocking sunlight. Treating it early helps the plant recover quickly.
Can I use household soap to kill bugs?
Use only mild, unscented dish soap diluted in water. Avoid harsh detergents that can burn the foliage.

Guides to these causes

More problems with marsh cudweed

Back to the marsh cudweed 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.