Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Examine the undersides of leaves with a magnifying glass.
- Check for sticky residue on the stems.
- Look for fine webbing between the leaves.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: You see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the new growth and the leaves look curled.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, use a gentle insecticidal soap spray.
Spider mites
PossibleHow to tell: You notice fine webbing between the stems and tiny yellow dots on the leaves.
What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it daily. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites and their webs.
Find out what's wrong with your spearmint
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Small numbers of pests are manageable, but you should act immediately if you see heavy webbing or if the leaves are curling and dying.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your mint healthy with proper light and water, and check the leaves every time you water.
Spearmint: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spearmint 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 these pests harmful to me?
- No, aphids and spider mites are not harmful to humans. Just wash your mint thoroughly before using it in the kitchen.
- Can I use chemical pesticides?
- Avoid harsh chemicals since you are likely growing this for culinary use. Stick to water sprays or organic insecticidal soaps.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Spearmint
- Why are my spearmint leaves turning yellow?
- What are these spots on my spearmint leaves?
- Why is my spearmint plant drooping?
- Why is my spearmint growing tall and leggy?
- Why are my spearmint leaves turning brown at the tips?
- Why is my spearmint losing its leaves?
- Why is my spearmint plant wilting and rotting?
- Why are my spearmint leaves curling?
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.