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Lion's Ear · Leonotis leonurus

Why are there bugs on my Lion's Ear?

Seeing tiny insects on your Lion's Ear is frustrating, but it is usually manageable. Check the undersides of the leaves and the tender new growth first to see what you are dealing with.

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. Inspect the undersides of the leaves carefully.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the stems.
  3. Check the new growth for clusters of small bugs.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small, soft bodied insects clustering on the new growth and flower buds. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Whitefly

    Possible

    How to tell: These tiny white insects fly up in a cloud when you disturb the plant. They congregate on the undersides of leaves and suck the plant sap.

    What to do: Use yellow sticky traps near the plant to catch adults. Treat the foliage with insecticidal soap every 7 days to kill the larvae.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your lion's ear

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 the leaves start yellowing or curling, as this means the infestation is sapping the plant's energy. A few bugs are normal, but a heavy infestation requires immediate action.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with proper sunlight, as stressed plants are more attractive to pests. Regularly wipe down leaves to remove dust and potential hiding spots.

Lion's Ear: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lion's ear 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

Will these bugs kill my plant?
Usually not, but they can weaken it significantly. If left unchecked, they can stunt growth and cause leaf drop.
Can I use household soap to kill them?
Avoid using dish soap, as it can burn the leaves. Stick to insecticidal soaps designed for garden use.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Lion's Ear

Back to the Lion's Ear 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.