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Common Myrtle · Myrtus communis

Why are there bumps on my Common Myrtle stems?

If you see small, waxy bumps on your Myrtle, you likely have scale insects. These pests suck the sap and can weaken your plant if left alone. Check the undersides of leaves and along the stems for these tiny invaders.

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the stems and leaf undersides for bumps or white fuzz.
  2. Touch the leaves to see if they feel sticky.
  3. Isolate the plant from others to prevent the pests from spreading.

Likely causes

  1. Scale Insects

    Most likely

    How to tell: Look for small, brown, or tan bumps that look like little shields attached to the stems or leaf veins. They do not move and often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

    What to do: Gently scrape the scales off with a soft toothbrush or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For a larger infestation, spray the entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days for 3 weeks. Make sure to cover the undersides of the leaves thoroughly.

  2. Mealybugs

    Possible

    How to tell: These look like small, white, cottony tufts tucked into the leaf axils or along the stems. They also suck sap and cause the plant to lose vigor.

    What to do: Dab the white spots with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol to kill them on contact. If they persist, apply an insecticidal soap spray once a week until you no longer see any white fluff.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common myrtle

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

It is serious if the leaves start turning yellow or dropping rapidly. A few isolated bumps are easy to manage if caught early.

Stopping it coming back

Check your plant for pests every time you water it. Keep the foliage clean by occasionally wiping leaves with a damp cloth.

Common Myrtle: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common myrtle 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 dish soap to kill these pests?
Yes, but use a mild, fragrance-free soap diluted in water. Avoid heavy detergents that might burn the leaves.
Will these bugs kill my Myrtle?
They can if the infestation becomes heavy enough to drain the plant of too much energy. Regular cleaning keeps the plant healthy.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Common Myrtle

Back to the Common Myrtle 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.