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Passion Flower · Passiflora

Why are there bugs on my passion flower?

Passion flowers are magnets for aphids, which love the tender new growth. Check the undersides of leaves and the tips of your vines for these tiny green or black 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 new leaves for clusters of insects.
  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, soft bodied insects on new stems and leaf undersides. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

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

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

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

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

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your passion flower

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

Small numbers are manageable, but if the plant is covered and growth is stunted, you need to act immediately.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with consistent water and check the foliage weekly for early signs of pests.

Passion Flower: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your passion flower 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

Will aphids kill my passion flower?
A light infestation usually just slows growth, but a heavy one can weaken the plant significantly. It is best to treat them as soon as you spot them.
Can I use dish soap to kill them?
A very mild solution of water and a few drops of plain dish soap can work, but commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the plant.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Passion Flower

Back to the Passion Flower 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.