Why are there tiny bugs on my Egyptian blue water lily?

Check these first

1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for small clusters of insects.
2. Look for sticky residue on the surface of the lily pads.
3. Check if any fish in the pond are showing interest in the leaves.

Likely causes

1. Water lily aphids

   Most likely

   How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the leaves and flower stalks. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

   What to do: Gently spray the leaves with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off into the pond where fish will eat them. If the infestation is heavy, you can manually wipe them off with a damp cloth.

2. Lack of natural predators

   Possible

   How to tell: The aphid population grows rapidly without any check from natural enemies. Your pond may lack the insects or fish that normally keep them in balance.

   What to do: Introduce small fish like goldfish or minnows to your pond to help control the population. You can also encourage ladybugs to visit your garden by planting nectar rich flowers nearby.

When to worry

It is time to worry if the leaves start yellowing or curling due to the stress of the feeding. A few aphids are normal, but a full colony will weaken the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your pond ecosystem balanced with fish and beneficial insects to naturally manage pest populations. Regularly rinsing the leaves with water can also discourage them from settling.

Questions people ask

Can I use chemical pesticides?

Avoid chemical pesticides as they are toxic to fish and other aquatic life. Stick to physical removal or natural predators.

Will aphids kill my water lily?

They rarely kill a healthy plant, but they can stunt growth and ruin the appearance of the blooms. Prompt action keeps the plant thriving.

More problems with Egyptian blue water lily

• Why is my Egyptian blue water lily's rhizome rotting?
• Why is my Egyptian blue water lily not blooming?