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Lizard's tail · Saururus cernuus

Why are there bugs on my Lizard's tail?

Aphids are the most common pests for Lizard's tail, especially on the tender new growth. These tiny insects suck the sap and can cause leaves to curl or yellow. Check the undersides of the leaves for small clusters of green or black bugs.

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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 undersides of the leaves.
  2. Check the tips of new growth for clusters of insects.
  3. Feel the leaves for a sticky substance.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid Infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see small, soft bodied insects clustered on the stems or undersides of leaves. You might also notice a sticky residue called honeydew on the foliage.

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

  2. Environmental Stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant is weak from low light or inconsistent watering, making it more susceptible to pests. The infestation is widespread across the whole plant.

    What to do: Improve the growing conditions by moving the plant to brighter light and ensuring constant soil moisture. Prune away heavily infested stems to help the plant recover.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your lizard's tail

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 if they cover the entire plant and cause significant leaf curling, you need to act fast. It is normal to see an occasional stray insect in an outdoor garden.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with plenty of light and water, as stressed plants attract more pests. Regularly rinse the foliage with water to discourage insects from settling.

Lizard's tail: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lizard's tail 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

Are aphids harmful to my plant?
Yes, they drain the plant of nutrients and can spread viruses. They also produce honeydew which can lead to sooty mold.
Should I use harsh chemicals?
Avoid harsh pesticides as they can harm beneficial insects. Insecticidal soap is much safer and very effective for aphids.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Lizard's tail

Back to the Lizard's tail 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.