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Autumn hawkbit · Scorzoneroides autumnalis

Why are there bugs on my Autumn hawkbit?

It is less common for this plant to attract pests, but you might occasionally see aphids or spider mites. Check the undersides of the leaves first to see if you can spot any tiny insects or webbing.

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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 moving specks.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the stems.
  3. Check for fine webbing near the base of the plant.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the stems and new growth. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

    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.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Look for fine, dusty webbing between the leaves and stems. The leaves may also look speckled or yellowed.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting it regularly. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth and use neem oil if the infestation is heavy.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your autumn hawkbit

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

Worry if the plant starts losing leaves or shows stunted growth. A few stray bugs are usually manageable with simple cleaning.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with proper sunlight and avoid overcrowding it with other plants. Regularly wiping down leaves helps keep pests away.

Autumn hawkbit: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your autumn hawkbit 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

Can I use dish soap to kill the bugs?
You can, but make sure it is a mild, non-detergent soap. Mix one teaspoon of soap per liter of water and spray lightly.
Will these pests kill my plant?
Not usually, unless the infestation is severe and left untreated for a long time. Most healthy plants can recover quickly once the pests are removed.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Autumn hawkbit

Back to the Autumn hawkbit 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.