Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of new leaves for clusters of small insects.
- Look for sticky residue on the foliage.
- Check stems for small, hard bumps.
Likely causes
Aphid infestation
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on new stems and curled leaves. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the affected areas with a strong blast of water from your hose to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap directly to the bugs every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Scale insects
PossibleHow to tell: These look like small, hard brown bumps on the stems or leaf veins. They do not move and can be scraped off with a fingernail.
What to do: Prune away heavily infested branches to reduce the population. For lighter cases, dab the scale with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Find out what's wrong with your oceanspray
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
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When to worry
A few aphids are normal in spring and usually handled by ladybugs. Worry only if the plant shows significant wilting or stunted growth.
Stopping it coming back
Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to visit your garden by planting diverse native flowers nearby.
Oceanspray: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your oceanspray 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
- Will aphids kill my oceanspray?
- Usually no. They are more of a nuisance that can cause minor leaf curling on young growth.
- Should I use systemic pesticides?
- Avoid them. They can harm the pollinators that rely on your oceanspray flowers.
Guides to these causes
More problems with oceanspray
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.