Will the bumps go away?

No, the existing bumps on the leaves will remain. The goal is to ensure the new growth emerges smooth and healthy.

Do I need to use harsh chemicals?

Usually not. Horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps are effective and much safer for your garden.

Why are there bumps on my Kohuhu leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of new leaves for tiny insects.
Look for sticky honeydew residue on the foliage.
Check if the distortion is limited to new growth.

Likely causes

Pittosporum psyllid
Most likely
How to tell: New leaves appear curled, bumpy, or deformed with small pits on the underside.
What to do: Prune away heavily infested branches to reduce the population. Apply a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to the foliage every 7 to 10 days until the infestation clears.
Aphids
Possible
How to tell: Clusters of tiny green or black insects on tender new shoots and sticky residue on leaves.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. Use neem oil if the population persists after two or three washings.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kohuhu

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

Minor bumps are common and rarely kill the plant, but heavy distortion can weaken new growth significantly.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with proper watering and avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer which encourages soft growth that attracts psyllids.

Kohuhu: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kohuhu 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 the bumps go away?: No, the existing bumps on the leaves will remain. The goal is to ensure the new growth emerges smooth and healthy.
Do I need to use harsh chemicals?: Usually not. Horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps are effective and much safer for your garden.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are there bumps on my Kohuhu leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your kohuhu?