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Marsh woundwort · Stachys palustris

Why are there pests on my Marsh woundwort?

It is less common for this plant to suffer from major infestations, as it is quite hardy. When pests do appear, they are usually aphids or spider mites attracted by dry conditions.

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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 the leaves for small insects.
  2. Look for fine webbing near the stem joints.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustering on the undersides of leaves and new growth.

    What to do: Spray the leaves with a steady stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Fine webbing appears between the leaves and stems, often accompanied by tiny yellow stippling on the foliage.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant and wash the foliage thoroughly. Use neem oil once every 7 days to manage the population.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your marsh woundwort

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

Treat the plant immediately if you see significant leaf damage or stunted growth. A few stray insects are normal in an outdoor garden.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently damp and ensure the plant has good air circulation to discourage pests.

Marsh woundwort: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your marsh woundwort 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 chemical pesticides?
It is better to avoid harsh chemicals to protect pollinators. Use mild soaps or oils instead.
Do these pests spread to other plants?
Yes, aphids and spider mites can move to nearby plants. Keep an eye on your other garden plants if you spot an infestation.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Marsh woundwort

Back to the Marsh woundwort 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.