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Jungle Geranium · Ixora

What are these bugs on my Jungle Geranium?

Jungle Geraniums are magnets for aphids that love to cluster on tender new growth. Check the tips of your stems for tiny, soft bodied insects to confirm an infestation.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

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

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the new growth tips.
  2. Check the undersides of leaves for sticky residue.
  3. Examine the stems for small bumps.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the new buds. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. Follow up with an application of insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Scale

    Possible

    How to tell: Small brown bumps appear on the stems or undersides of leaves. These bumps do not move and feel like hard shells.

    What to do: Scrape off the visible scales with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Treat the plant with horticultural oil to kill any remaining eggs.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your jungle geranium

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

Act immediately when you see pests, as they multiply quickly and can stunt the growth of your plant. A few stray bugs are manageable, but a full colony requires treatment.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with proper light and water, as stressed plants are more attractive to pests. Regularly inspect the plant during your weekly watering routine.

Jungle Geranium: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your jungle geranium 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

Do I need to isolate my plant?
Yes, move the infested plant away from your other houseplants immediately. Pests can easily crawl or fly to nearby plants.
Can I use dish soap to kill aphids?
You can use a very mild, non-detergent soap mixed with water, but commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the plant's leaves.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Jungle Geranium

Back to the Jungle Geranium 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.