Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Inspect the flower spikes for clusters of small insects.
- Look for sticky honeydew on the leaves below the flowers.
- Check the undersides of leaves for webbing.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see small green or black insects congregating on the flower stalks and undersides of leaves. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the plant with a firm stream of water from your hose to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap directly to the affected areas every 5 days until they are gone.
Spider Mites
PossibleHow to tell: Look for fine, silk like webbing between the stems and leaves. The leaves may also appear stippled or pale.
What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it daily. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites and their webs.
Find out what's wrong with your water smartweed
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
Small numbers are manageable, but worry if the insects cover the entire flower spike or cause the plant to stop blooming. It is normal to see an occasional stray bug in an outdoor garden.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your plant healthy with consistent water and full sun to help it resist pest attacks. Periodically rinsing the foliage with water helps keep populations low.
Water smartweed: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your water smartweed 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Will aphids kill my water smartweed?
- Usually no, but they can weaken the plant and ruin the look of your flowers. It is best to treat them as soon as you spot them.
- Can I use neem oil?
- Yes, but be careful if your plant is in a pond with fish, as oil can be harmful to aquatic life. Always check the label before applying near water.
Guides to these causes
More problems with water smartweed
Back to the water smartweed 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.