Will aphids kill my stock?

They can weaken the plant and ruin the blooms, but they rarely kill a healthy stock plant if caught early.

Can I use dish soap to kill them?

Yes, a mild solution of water and a few drops of gentle dish soap can work, but be sure to rinse the leaves afterward.

Why are there bugs on my Common stock? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny moving specks.
Look for sticky residue on the stems or nearby surfaces.
Check the flower buds for clusters of insects.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small green or black insects clustered on the stems and undersides of leaves. 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.
Poor air circulation
Possible
How to tell: Stagnant air around the plant creates a perfect environment for pests to multiply quickly. You might notice the plant looks weak or stunted.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with better airflow. Prune away any crowded foliage to help air move through the center of the plant.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common stock

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

A few aphids are manageable, but if the buds are covered and the plant looks distorted, you need to act immediately to save the flowers.

Stopping it coming back

Check your plants weekly for signs of pests and keep them in a well ventilated area to discourage infestations.

Common stock: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common stock 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 aphids kill my stock?: They can weaken the plant and ruin the blooms, but they rarely kill a healthy stock plant if caught early.
Can I use dish soap to kill them?: Yes, a mild solution of water and a few drops of gentle dish soap can work, but be sure to rinse the leaves afterward.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are there bugs on my Common stock?