Pocket Botanist
_on_a_leaf,_Lisbon,_Portugal_(approx._GPS_location)_julesvernex2.jpg){kind=link}
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny bugs.
- Look for sticky residue on the leaves or the surface below the plant.
- Isolate the plant from others to prevent spreading.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on new growth and sticky honeydew on the leaves.
What to do: Wash the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock the insects off. Follow up with an application of insecticidal soap every 7 days until they are gone.
Scale
PossibleHow to tell: Small brown bumps that look like tiny shells appear on the stems and leaf undersides.
What to do: Scrape the bumps off gently with a fingernail or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Treat the plant with neem oil to catch any remaining crawlers.
Find out what's wrong with your pittosporum
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
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Pests are manageable if caught early. If the infestation covers the entire plant and is causing severe wilting, it may be time to prune back heavily.
Stopping it coming back
Wipe down leaves occasionally with a damp cloth and keep the plant healthy with proper light and water.
Pittosporum: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your pittosporum 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
- Can I use dish soap to kill pests?
- Use a mild, non-detergent soap diluted in water, but insecticidal soap is safer for the plant.
- Do I need to repot if I have pests?
- Usually not, unless the infestation is in the soil or the plant is already struggling.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Pittosporum
- Why are my Pittosporum leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Pittosporum dropping its leaves?
- Why is my Pittosporum wilting and the soil smells bad?
- Why is my Pittosporum growing long and sparse stems?
- Why are the tips of my Pittosporum leaves turning brown?
- Why is my Pittosporum drooping?
- Why does my Pittosporum have spots on its leaves?
- Why are my Pittosporum leaves curling?
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.