Will whiteflies kill my Turk's cap?

They can severely weaken it if left unchecked. Treat them early to keep your plant strong.

Can I use dish soap to kill them?

A mild solution of dish soap and water can work, but insecticidal soap is safer for the plant. Avoid using soaps with degreasers or heavy fragrances.

Why are there whiteflies on my Turk's cap? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny white specks.
Shake the branches gently to see if anything flies out.
Check for sticky residue on the foliage.

Likely causes

Whitefly infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see tiny white moth like insects flying up when you shake the plant. Look for sticky honeydew on the leaves below.
What to do: Spray the undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days. Repeat this for 3 weeks to catch new eggs as they hatch.
Poor air circulation
Possible
How to tell: The plant is crowded or in a stagnant corner. Pests thrive when there is no breeze to move them along.
What to do: Prune back dense branches to open up the center of the shrub. Move the plant to a spot with better natural airflow.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your turk's cap

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.

When to worry

Worry if the leaves start turning yellow or dropping rapidly. A few insects are manageable, but a heavy infestation can weaken the plant quickly.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper light and water, and spray it down with a strong stream of water occasionally to knock off any hitchhikers.

Turk's cap: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your turk's cap 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will whiteflies kill my Turk's cap?: They can severely weaken it if left unchecked. Treat them early to keep your plant strong.
Can I use dish soap to kill them?: A mild solution of dish soap and water can work, but insecticidal soap is safer for the plant. Avoid using soaps with degreasers or heavy fragrances.

Guides to these causes

Whitefly

Why are there whiteflies on my Turk's cap?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your turk's cap?