Will aphids kill my morning glory?

They can weaken the plant and cause distorted growth if left unchecked. Treating them early keeps your plant thriving.

Can I use dish soap to kill the bugs?

You can use a mild, non-detergent soap mixed with water, but insecticidal soap is safer for the plant. Avoid using harsh soaps that contain degreasers.

What are these bugs on my morning glory? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely at the tips of the vines.
Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny moving specks.
Look for sticky residue on the leaves.

Likely causes

Aphids
Most likely
How to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustered on the stems and undersides of leaves. They leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the plant with a steady stream of water to knock the aphids off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Spider Mites
Possible
How to tell: These pests are very small and leave fine webbing between the leaves. The foliage may start to look stippled or pale.
What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant and wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth. Use neem oil once a week if the infestation continues.

Find out what's wrong with your morning glory

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.

When to worry

If the plant is covered in pests and the leaves are curling or yellowing, you need to treat it immediately. A single aphid is normal, but a colony will stunt growth.

Stopping it coming back

Check your plants weekly for signs of insects so you can catch them early. Keeping the plant healthy with proper sun and water makes it more resistant to pests.

Keep your morning glory healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will aphids kill my morning glory?: They can weaken the plant and cause distorted growth if left unchecked. Treating them early keeps your plant thriving.
Can I use dish soap to kill the bugs?: You can use a mild, non-detergent soap mixed with water, but insecticidal soap is safer for the plant. Avoid using harsh soaps that contain degreasers.

What are these bugs on my morning glory?