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Salvia

What are these bugs on my sage plant?

Aphids are the most common pests for sage, often clustering on the tender new growth. Check the undersides of leaves and the tips of stems for these tiny, soft bodied insects.

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

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the underside of new leaves.
  2. Check for sticky residue on the stems.
  3. Inspect nearby plants for the same bugs.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see small green or black insects and a sticky residue called honeydew on the leaves.

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

  2. Poor air circulation

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant is crowded or in a stagnant corner, making it a magnet for pests.

    What to do: Move your sage to a spot with better airflow. Prune back dense branches to allow air to reach the center of the plant.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your salvia

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 aphids are manageable, but a heavy infestation can weaken the plant quickly. Treat them as soon as you spot them.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your sage in a sunny spot with good airflow to discourage pests from settling in.

Salvia: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your salvia 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 aphids kill my sage?
They can stunt growth and spread disease if left unchecked. It is best to treat them early.
Can I use dish soap to kill them?
A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but insecticidal soap is safer for the plant.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Salvia

Back to the Salvia 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.