Can I use dish soap to kill aphids?

A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the plant.

Do I need to isolate my plant?

Yes, move the infested plant away from your other houseplants to prevent the pests from spreading.

What are these bugs on my Beefsteak plant? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the newest leaves.
Look for sticky honeydew on the leaves below the infestation.
Check for tiny webs between the leaf joints.

Likely causes

Aphids
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small green or black insects clustering on new leaves and sticky residue on the foliage.
What to do: Wash the plant off with a gentle stream of water in the shower or sink. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the affected areas every 7 days until the bugs are gone.
Spider mites
Possible
How to tell: Fine webbing appears between stems and leaves look speckled or dull.
What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant by grouping it with others. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth and treat with neem oil.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your beefsteak 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.

When to worry

If you see large clusters covering the stems or the leaves start to curl and yellow, take action immediately.

Stopping it coming back

Wipe down leaves regularly and keep the plant healthy to help it resist infestations.

Beefsteak plant: pests? Check yours with a photo

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

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

Questions people ask

Can I use dish soap to kill aphids?: A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the plant.
Do I need to isolate my plant?: Yes, move the infested plant away from your other houseplants to prevent the pests from spreading.

What are these bugs on my Beefsteak plant?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your beefsteak plant?

Likely causes

Aphids

Spider mites

Find out what's wrong with your beefsteak plant

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Beefsteak plant: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Beefsteak plant