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White horehound · Marrubium vulgare

Why are there tiny bugs on my White horehound?

Seeing small insects on your White horehound usually means aphids have found your plant. These pests love to cluster on the tender new growth at the tips of stems. Check the undersides of your leaves first to confirm their presence.

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for clusters of insects.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the stems.
  3. Check for fine webbing near the leaf joints.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small green or black insects clustered on new leaves and stems. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

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

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Look for fine webbing between the leaves and tiny yellow stippling on the foliage. These are common when the air is very dry.

    What to do: Increase humidity slightly or wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth. Use neem oil once a week for 2 weeks to clear a heavy infestation.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your white horehound

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 stops growing or leaves start curling, you must act immediately. It is normal to see an occasional stray insect in an outdoor garden.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant in full sun and ensure good airflow to discourage pests from settling in. Avoid overfertilizing, as soft new growth attracts aphids.

White horehound: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your white horehound 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 aphids kill my White horehound?
Usually no, but they can weaken the plant significantly. They suck the sap, which stunts growth and can lead to secondary issues.
Can I use dish soap to kill them?
Yes, but use a mild, non-degreasing soap diluted in water. Avoid harsh detergents that might burn the leaves.

Guides to these causes

More problems with White horehound

Back to the White horehound 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.