Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves with a magnifying glass.
- Look for sticky residue on the stems or soil surface.
- Check for fine webbing between the leaf joints.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the new growth or stems. They often cause the leaves to look curled or distorted.
What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks.
Spider Mites
PossibleHow to tell: These pests leave behind fine, silky webbing between the leaves and stems. The foliage may also look speckled or pale.
What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it daily. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth and use neem oil if the infestation is heavy.
Find out what's wrong with your sheep sorrel
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 leaves start yellowing or dropping rapidly. A few stray bugs are manageable, but a full colony will weaken the plant quickly.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your sheep sorrel healthy with consistent moisture and plenty of sunlight to help it resist infestations. Regularly wipe the leaves clean to remove dust and potential pests.
Sheep sorrel: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sheep sorrel 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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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 household soap to kill the pests?
- Avoid using harsh dish soaps, as they can burn the leaves. Stick to insecticidal soap or a very mild castile soap diluted in water.
- Will these pests spread to my other plants?
- Yes, aphids and spider mites travel easily between nearby plants. Isolate your sheep sorrel until you are sure the pests are gone.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Sheep sorrel
Back to the Sheep sorrel 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.