Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny clusters of insects.
- Look for sticky residue on the stems.
- Check for fine webbing near the leaf joints.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustering on new shoots or the undersides of leaves. 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 until they are gone.
Spider Mites
PossibleHow to tell: Look for fine webbing between the stems or leaves. The foliage may also look stippled or pale.
What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. Use neem oil every 7 days if the infestation continues.
Find out what's wrong with your wild potato
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Worry if the leaves start curling or turning yellow from the sap loss. A few stray bugs are normal, but a full colony will weaken the plant quickly.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your plant healthy with consistent water and check it weekly for early signs of pests.
Wild potato: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wild potato 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I use dish soap to kill them?
- Yes, but use a mild, non-detergent soap mixed with water. Avoid soaps with degreasers or fragrances that can burn the leaves.
- Will these bugs kill my plant?
- Not usually, but they can stunt growth and spread viruses. It is best to treat them as soon as you spot them.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Wild potato
- Why does my wild potato have dark spots?
- Why is my Solanum etuberosum drooping?
- Why is my wild potato getting so leggy?
- Why are my wild potato leaves turning yellow?
- Why do my Solanum etuberosum leaves have brown tips?
- Why is my Solanum etuberosum dropping leaves?
- Why is my Solanum etuberosum not blooming?
- How do I fix root rot on my Solanum etuberosum?
- Why are my Solanum etuberosum leaves curling?
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.