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Indian hawthorn · Rhaphiolepis indica

Are there bugs on my Indian hawthorn?

It is less common for Indian hawthorn to suffer from severe pest infestations, and these are usually caused by aphids or scale insects attracted to stressed plants. Check the undersides of the leaves for small clusters of insects or sticky residue.

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny moving insects.
  2. Look for sticky honeydew or black sooty mold on the foliage.
  3. Check the stems for small, hard bumps.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see tiny green or black insects clustering on new growth and curled leaves.

    What to do: Spray the affected areas with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks.

  2. Scale insects

    Possible

    How to tell: Small brown bumps that look like tiny shells appear on the stems or leaf veins.

    What to do: Scrape the scales off gently with a soft brush or fingernail. Follow up by applying neem oil to the stems every 10 days until the infestation clears.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your indian hawthorn

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

A few bugs are rarely a disaster, but if the leaves start yellowing or dropping rapidly, you need to treat the plant immediately.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper watering and ensure good air circulation around the branches.

Indian hawthorn: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your indian hawthorn 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.

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Questions people ask

Can I use neem oil on my Indian hawthorn?
Yes, neem oil is effective against both aphids and scale. Apply it in the early morning or late evening to avoid leaf burn.
Are these pests harmful to other plants?
Yes, aphids and scale can spread to nearby shrubs. Isolate the plant if possible until the pests are gone.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Indian hawthorn

Back to the Indian hawthorn 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.