Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Look closely at the new growth tips.
- Check the undersides of leaves for tiny bugs.
- Look for sticky residue on the leaves.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: You see tiny green or black insects clustered on new leaves and flower buds. The leaves may look curled or sticky.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. For heavy infestations, use insecticidal soap every 7 days.
Spider Mites
PossibleHow to tell: Fine webbing appears between the leaves and stems. The leaves look stippled or pale.
What to do: Increase humidity by misting the plant regularly. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove mites and webs.
Find out what's wrong with your busy lizzie
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
If you see large colonies or the plant stops growing, you need to act fast. A few stray bugs are manageable with simple cleaning.
Stopping it coming back
Check your plants weekly for pests and keep them healthy with proper water and shade.
Busy Lizzie: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your busy lizzie 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
- Are aphids harmful?
- Yes, they suck sap from the plant and can stunt growth. They also leave behind a sticky substance that can attract mold.
- Do I need chemicals to kill aphids?
- Usually not. A strong spray of water or gentle insecticidal soap is often enough to clear them up.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Busy Lizzie
- Why are my Busy Lizzie leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Busy Lizzie drooping?
- Why are my impatiens losing their leaves?
- How do I fix root rot in my impatiens?
- Why are my impatiens growing tall and leggy?
- Why are my impatiens leaves getting brown tips?
- What are these spots on my impatiens leaves?
- Why are my impatiens not blooming?
- Why are my impatiens leaves curling?
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.