Can I use dish soap to kill the pests?

Yes, a mild solution of water and a few drops of unscented dish soap works well. Just be sure to rinse the leaves afterward.

Will these pests spread to my other plants?

Yes, they can easily travel to nearby plants. Move the affected Umbrella Tree to a separate room until it is completely pest free.

Why are there tiny bugs on my Umbrella Tree?

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for webbing or bumps.
Check the stems for sticky residue or hard scales.
Look for tiny yellow stippling on the top of the leaves.

Likely causes

Spider Mites
Most likely
How to tell: You will see tiny yellow dots on the leaves and fine webbing between the stems. These pests thrive in low humidity.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Increase the humidity around the plant and spray the foliage with neem oil every 7 days until they are gone.
Scale Insects
Possible
How to tell: Look for small, hard brown bumps on the stems or the undersides of leaves that do not move. These bumps are actually the insects feeding on your plant.
What to do: Scrape the bumps off gently with your fingernail or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Treat the plant with insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks to catch any remaining larvae.

When to worry

If the leaves start turning yellow and falling off rapidly, the infestation is severe. A few isolated bugs are easy to manage if caught early.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy by wiping the leaves regularly and maintaining good humidity levels. Avoid placing the plant near hot air vents.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your umbrella tree.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf 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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Questions people ask

Can I use dish soap to kill the pests?: Yes, a mild solution of water and a few drops of unscented dish soap works well. Just be sure to rinse the leaves afterward.
Will these pests spread to my other plants?: Yes, they can easily travel to nearby plants. Move the affected Umbrella Tree to a separate room until it is completely pest free.