Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of leaves and flower buds for tiny insects.
- Check for sticky residue on the leaves.
- Look for ants, which often farm aphids.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: Tiny green or black insects clustered on stems and buds. You might also see sticky residue called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. For heavy infestations, apply insecticidal soap every 5 days until they are gone.
Environmental stress
PossibleHow to tell: The plant is weak and attracting pests due to improper watering.
What to do: Maintain a consistent watering schedule every 2 to 4 days. Healthy plants are much better at resisting pest attacks.
Find out what's wrong with your sweet alyssum
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
A few aphids are manageable, but if the plant is covered and growth is stunted, you must act quickly. If the plant is dying, it may be best to remove it to protect neighbors.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the plant healthy with consistent moisture and check it weekly for early signs of pests.
Sweet Alyssum: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sweet alyssum 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Are aphids harmful to my alyssum?
- Yes, they suck the sap and can spread viruses. They also weaken the plant, making it prone to other issues.
- Can I use neem oil?
- Yes, neem oil is effective against aphids. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Sweet Alyssum
Back to the Sweet Alyssum 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.