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Forget-me-not · Myosotis sylvatica

Why are there bugs on my Wood forget-me-not?

Aphids are the most common pests for this plant, often clustering on the tender new growth. Inspect the undersides of your leaves to see if these tiny insects are present.

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

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the new growth for tiny moving insects.
  2. Check the leaf surfaces for white powdery spots.
  3. Inspect the undersides of leaves for sticky residue.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid Infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see small green or black insects clustered on stems and new leaves. The leaves may also look sticky or distorted.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock them off. For persistent cases, apply insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

  2. Powdery Mildew

    Possible

    How to tell: A white, dusty fungal growth appears on the surface of the leaves. This happens when air circulation is poor.

    What to do: Prune away heavily infected leaves to improve airflow. Move the plant to a spot with better ventilation and avoid overhead watering.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your forget-me-not

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

If the plant is covered in pests and the leaves are curling or yellowing, take action immediately to prevent the plant from weakening.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with proper spacing and check it weekly for early signs of insects or fungus.

Forget-me-not: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your forget-me-not 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 neem oil on my forget-me-not?
Yes, neem oil is effective, but apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.
Do aphids kill the plant?
They can weaken it significantly by sucking out the sap, so it is best to treat them as soon as you see them.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Forget-me-not

Back to the Forget-me-not 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.