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Chameleon plant · Houttuynia cordata

What are these bugs on my Tricolor Chameleon Plant?

Aphids are the most common pests for this plant, often clustering on the tender new growth. Check the undersides of your leaves for these tiny, soft bodied insects.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the undersides of the leaves.
  2. Check the tips of new growth for clusters of bugs.
  3. Inspect the soil surface for slimy trails.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid Infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see small green or black insects clustered on new stems. The leaves may look curled or sticky from the honeydew they secrete.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock them off. For persistent cases, apply insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Slug or Snail Damage

    Possible

    How to tell: You find irregular holes in the leaves or slimy trails on the soil surface. They usually feed at night or during damp weather.

    What to do: Hand pick them off in the evening when they are active. You can also place a shallow dish of beer near the base to trap them.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your chameleon plant

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.

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When to worry

If the plant is covered in sticky residue or the growth is severely stunted, you need to treat it immediately to prevent further weakening.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around your plant clean of debris and inspect new growth weekly for early signs of pests.

Chameleon plant: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chameleon plant 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.

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Questions people ask

Will aphids kill my plant?
They rarely kill a healthy plant, but they can weaken it and spread viruses. It is best to remove them as soon as you see them.
Are these pests harmful to pets?
Aphids themselves are not toxic, but avoid using harsh chemical pesticides if you have curious pets nearby.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Chameleon plant

Back to the Chameleon plant 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.