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Four o'clock flower · Mirabilis jalapa

Why are there tiny bugs on my Four o'clock?

Spider mites are the most common pests for Four o'clocks, especially when the weather is hot and dry. Check the undersides of your leaves for tiny webs or fine white stippling to confirm they are present.

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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 leaves for tiny moving specks.
  2. Look for fine webbing between the leaf nodes.
  3. Check if the soil has been allowed to dry out completely.

Likely causes

  1. Spider Mite Infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny white dots on the leaves and fine webbing between stems. The leaves may start to look dusty or pale.

    What to do: Spray the leaves thoroughly with a strong stream of water to knock the mites off. Follow up with neem oil or insecticidal soap applied every 5 to 7 days until the pests are gone.

  2. Dry Environmental Conditions

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant is in a very dry spot with low humidity, which encourages mites to thrive. The soil may also be drying out too quickly.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting the leaves occasionally. Ensure you are watering deeply every 3 to 7 days to keep the soil moist.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your four o'clock flower

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

Worry if the leaves are turning yellow and dropping rapidly. A few mites can be managed, but a full infestation will quickly weaken the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant well watered and occasionally spray the foliage with water to discourage mites from settling in.

Four o'clock flower: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your four o'clock flower 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

Can I use household soap to kill the mites?
It is better to use a dedicated insecticidal soap or neem oil. Household soaps can sometimes be too harsh and burn the leaves.
Will the leaves recover after the mites are gone?
The damaged leaves will not turn green again, but the plant will grow new, healthy foliage once the infestation is cleared.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Four o'clock flower

Back to the Four o'clock flower 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.