Will aphids kill my Nigella?

A heavy infestation can weaken the plant and prevent it from blooming, but it is rarely fatal if caught early.

Yes, neem oil is effective, but apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.

Why are there bugs on my Love-in-a-mist? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves and flower buds for tiny insects.
Look for sticky residue on the leaves known as honeydew.
Check for ants patrolling the stems.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small, soft-bodied insects in green, pink, or black colors gathering on the tips of stems.
What to do: Spray the aphids off with a strong stream of water from your hose. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap directly to the affected areas every 5 to 7 days.
Ant farming
Possible
How to tell: Ants crawling up and down the stems often indicate they are protecting aphids for their honeydew.
What to do: Remove the aphids first, as the ants will leave once their food source is gone. You can also place a sticky barrier around the base of the plant to deter ants.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your love in a mist

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

Small numbers are manageable, but worry if the buds stop opening or the leaves begin to curl and yellow from sap loss.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plants healthy with proper spacing to improve airflow and check them weekly during the growing season.

Love in a Mist: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your love in a mist 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 Nigella?: A heavy infestation can weaken the plant and prevent it from blooming, but it is rarely fatal if caught early.
Can I use neem oil?: Yes, neem oil is effective, but apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are there bugs on my Love-in-a-mist?