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Cutleaf coneflower · Rudbeckia laciniata

Why are there bugs on my Rudbeckia laciniata?

It is less common for this plant to have major pest issues, but aphids or spider mites can sometimes show up. Check the undersides of your leaves first to see if you have uninvited guests.

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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 insects.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the stems.
  3. Check for fine webbing between the leaves.

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 from your hose to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

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

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by watering the soil consistently. Use neem oil to treat the infestation every 7 to 10 days until the mites disappear.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your cutleaf coneflower

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

You should worry if the plant starts losing vigor or if the leaves become severely distorted. A few bugs are usually manageable and not a threat to the whole plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy by watering it regularly and ensuring it has good airflow. A strong, well watered plant is much better at resisting pests.

Cutleaf coneflower: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your cutleaf coneflower 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

Will these bugs kill my coneflower?
Usually no. Most pests on this plant are just a nuisance that can be managed with simple washing or soap sprays.
Can I use chemical pesticides?
It is better to avoid them as they can harm the bees and butterflies that love these flowers. Stick to water sprays or insecticidal soaps.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Cutleaf coneflower

Back to the Cutleaf coneflower 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.