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Edging lobelia · Lobelia erinus

What are the bugs on my Lobelia erinus?

It is less common for lobelia to get pests, and this usually happens when the plant is weakened by poor air circulation or overcrowding. Check the undersides of the leaves first for tiny webs or sticky residue.

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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 residue on the stems.
  3. Inspect the plant for fine webbing.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the new growth. They cause leaves to curl and stunt the plant's development.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock the bugs off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Look for fine, dusty webbing between the stems and leaves. The foliage may appear speckled or pale.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting it daily. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove the mites and their webs.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your edging lobelia

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

If the infestation covers the entire plant and causes significant yellowing, it is a serious problem. A few stray bugs are usually manageable with simple cleaning.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure your plants have enough space between them for good air circulation. Check your plants regularly when you water them.

Edging lobelia: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your edging lobelia 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

Can I use neem oil on my lobelia?
Yes, neem oil is effective, but apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun. Follow the label instructions carefully.
Why do pests keep coming back?
Pests often return if the plant is stressed or if there are nearby infested plants. Keep the area clean and remove any dead foliage.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Edging lobelia

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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.