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Meadow buttercup · Ranunculus acris

What are these bugs on my meadow buttercup?

It is less common for this plant to have pest issues, which usually happen when the plant is stressed by poor air circulation or humidity. Check the undersides of the leaves for small insects or webbing.

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

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the undersides of the leaves.
  2. Check the flower buds for clusters of insects.
  3. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to see if pests come off.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the new growth or flower buds.

    What to do: Spray the insects off with a gentle stream of water. Use insecticidal soap if the infestation persists.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Fine webbing appears between leaves and the foliage looks speckled or dull.

    What to do: Increase humidity around the plant by misting or using a tray of pebbles and water. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove the mites.

Find out what's wrong with your meadow buttercup

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

Worry if the leaves start curling or turning yellow due to heavy feeding. It is normal to see an occasional stray bug outdoors.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper water and light, and ensure good air circulation around the foliage.

Keep your meadow buttercup healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Are these pests harmful to my other plants?
Yes, aphids and spider mites can spread quickly to nearby plants. Isolate the affected plant until it is clean.
Can I use neem oil?
Yes, neem oil is effective, but apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.

More problems with Meadow buttercup

Back to the Meadow buttercup guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.