Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

bulbous buttercup · Ranunculus bulbosus

Why are there bugs on my Ranunculus bulbosus?

It is less common for this plant to have pest issues, but aphids or spider mites can occasionally settle in. Check the undersides of the leaves first to see if you can spot any tiny moving insects or webbing.

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 leaves with a magnifying glass.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the stems.
  3. Check for fine webbing near the joints of the plant.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the new growth or flower buds. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

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

    What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it or using a pebble tray. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth and use neem oil if the infestation is heavy.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bulbous 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

You should worry if the leaves start curling or turning yellow due to sap loss. A few stray bugs are usually manageable with a quick wash.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with consistent watering and good air circulation to make it less attractive to pests.

Bulbous buttercup: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bulbous buttercup 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I use household soap to kill the bugs?
Avoid using harsh dish soaps, as they can burn the foliage. Stick to insecticidal soap or a very mild castile soap diluted in water.
Will these bugs spread to my other plants?
Yes, aphids and spider mites travel easily between plants. Isolate your buttercup until you are sure the infestation is cleared.

Guides to these causes

More problems with bulbous buttercup

Back to the bulbous buttercup 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.