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Common figwort · Scrophularia nodosa

What are these bugs on my common figwort?

It is less common for common figwort to suffer from heavy pest infestations, and it usually happens because the plant is stressed by poor air circulation or dry conditions. Check the undersides of the leaves for small insects or webbing first.

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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 using a flashlight.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the stems or leaves.
  3. Check for fine webbing between the leaf joints.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustered on the new growth and flower buds. They leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

    What to do: Wash the aphids off with a steady stream of water from a hose or spray bottle. For larger infestations, use insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves look speckled or stippled, and you might see fine, silky webbing between the stems. These pests thrive in hot, dry environments.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting it or placing it on a tray of pebbles and water. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites and their webs.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common figwort

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 stray bugs are usually manageable, but you should worry if you see significant leaf damage or if the plant growth starts to stunt. Act quickly if you see the population spreading to other plants.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper watering and ensure good air circulation around the foliage to discourage pests.

Common figwort: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common figwort 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 neem oil on my figwort?
Yes, neem oil is an effective organic treatment for many pests. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves with direct sun.
Will these pests kill my plant?
Most common pests on figwort are more of a nuisance than a death sentence. If you catch them early, the plant will recover quickly.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Common figwort

Back to the Common figwort 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.