Will aphids kill my plant?

Usually not, but they can weaken it and spread viruses. It is best to control them early.

Can I use dish soap to kill them?

A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the plant.

Jerusalem artichoke: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny moving insects.
Look for sticky residue on the stems.
Check for fine webbing between the plant parts.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the stems and leaf undersides. The leaves may look curled or sticky from the honeydew they leave behind.
What to do: Spray the plants with a strong stream of water from your hose to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.
Spider mites
Possible
How to tell: Fine webbing appears between the leaves and stems. The foliage might look speckled or dusty.
What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting the foliage. Use neem oil spray every 5 to 7 days to manage the population.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your jerusalem artichoke

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

Small numbers are usually fine, but you should act if the plant growth slows down or leaves start to curl significantly.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plants healthy with consistent water and avoid over fertilizing, as excess nitrogen attracts aphids.

Jerusalem artichoke: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your jerusalem artichoke 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

Will aphids kill my plant?: Usually not, but they can weaken it and spread viruses. It is best to control them early.
Can I use dish soap to kill them?: A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the plant.

Why are there bugs on my Jerusalem artichoke?

Check these first

Likely causes

Aphid infestation

Spider mites

Find out what's wrong with your jerusalem artichoke

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Jerusalem artichoke: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Jerusalem artichoke