Pocket Botanist
_on_a_leaf,_Lisbon,_Portugal_(approx._GPS_location)_julesvernex2.jpg){kind=link}
Check these first
- Look closely at the flower buds for clusters of tiny insects.
- Check the undersides of leaves for orange spots or powdery residue.
- Wash the plant with a gentle stream of water to remove surface pests.
Likely causes
Aphid Infestation
Most likelyHow to tell: You see small green or black insects clustered on the flower buds and stems. The buds may look sticky or start to curl.
What to do: Spray the aphids off with a strong blast of water from your garden hose. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap directly to the insects every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Daylily Rust
PossibleHow to tell: You notice small orange or yellow pustules on the leaves. This is a fungal infection that weakens the plant and makes it susceptible to other issues.
What to do: Remove and destroy all infected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry.
Find out what's wrong with your daylily
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Small numbers of aphids are common and usually not a major threat. Worry if the infestation covers the entire plant or if the rust spots spread to more than half of the foliage.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your garden clean of debris and maintain good spacing between plants to ensure plenty of airflow.
Daylily: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your daylily 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I use neem oil?
- Yes, neem oil is effective against both aphids and fungal rust. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.
- Will these bugs kill my plant?
- Aphids rarely kill a healthy daylily, but they can ruin the current season of blooms. Rust is more serious and requires prompt attention.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Daylily
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.