Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Examine the stems for tiny entry holes.
- Look closely at the undersides of leaves for clusters of insects.
- Check the soil surface for any crawling bugs.
Likely causes
Sweet Potato Weevil
Most likelyHow to tell: You see small, slender beetles or notice tiny holes in the stems and tubers. The plant may look stunted or wilted.
What to do: Remove and destroy any infested plant parts immediately. Do not compost them, as the pests can survive.
Aphids
PossibleHow to tell: Tiny green or black bugs cluster on the new growth and undersides of leaves. They leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.
What to do: Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or spray them with a gentle stream of water. For larger infestations, use insecticidal soap.
When to worry
If you see tunnels in the stems or tubers, the plant is under severe stress. Act quickly to prevent the pests from spreading to other plants.
Stopping it coming back
Inspect new plants before bringing them home and keep your growing area clean of debris.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your sweet potato.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Are these pests harmful to me?
- No, they are only interested in your sweet potato plant. They do not bite or harm humans.
- Can I save a plant with weevils?
- It is very difficult once they are inside the stems. It is often safer to remove the plant to protect your other crops.
More problems with Sweet Potato
Back to the Sweet Potato guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.