Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Creeping Oxalis · Oxalis corniculata

Why are there bugs on my Creeping Oxalis?

Creeping Oxalis is a magnet for aphids, which love to feed on the tender new growth. Check the undersides of the leaves and the stems for tiny, soft bodied insects.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves with a magnifying glass.
  2. Check for sticky residue on the stems.
  3. Look for fine webbing near the growing tips.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid infestation

    Most likely

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

    What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock them off. Follow up with an application of insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Look for fine webbing between the leaves and tiny yellow stippling on the foliage. These pests thrive in dry, warm conditions.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it regularly. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth and treat with neem oil once a week.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your creeping oxalis

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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

Small numbers are manageable, but if the plant is covered in webbing or the leaves are curling, you need to act immediately. A few stray bugs are normal for outdoor plants.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with consistent watering and check it weekly for early signs of visitors.

Creeping Oxalis: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your creeping oxalis 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I use dish soap to kill the aphids?
Yes, but use a mild, non detergent soap diluted heavily in water. Avoid soaps with degreasers or fragrances that can burn the leaves.
Will these bugs spread to my other plants?
Yes, aphids and mites move quickly between neighboring plants. Isolate your Oxalis until the infestation is completely cleared.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Creeping Oxalis

Back to the Creeping Oxalis 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.