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Purple deadnettle · Lamium purpureum

Are there bugs on my purple deadnettle?

It is less common for this plant to get pests, but aphids sometimes show up when the plant is stressed or growing in poor conditions. Check the undersides of the leaves for small, soft bodied insects.

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

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the undersides of the leaves.
  2. Check for sticky honeydew on the foliage.
  3. Look for fine webbing near the leaf joints.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Possible

    How to tell: You see clusters of tiny green or black insects on new growth and sticky residue on the leaves.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock the aphids off. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until the infestation is gone.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Fine webbing appears between the leaves and the foliage looks speckled or dull.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it or using a tray of pebbles and water. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites.

Find out what's wrong with your purple deadnettle

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

Worry if you see the plant's growth slowing down or leaves becoming deformed. A few stray bugs are usually manageable with quick treatment.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper watering and check it regularly for early signs of visitors.

Keep your purple deadnettle 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.

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Questions people ask

Can I use household soap to kill them?
Avoid harsh dish soaps as they can damage the leaves. Use a mild insecticidal soap specifically made for plants.
Do I need to isolate the plant?
Yes, it is a good idea to keep the affected plant away from others until the pests are completely gone.

More problems with Purple deadnettle

Back to the Purple deadnettle 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.