Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny clusters of insects.
- Look for sticky residue on the stems.
- Check for fine webbing near the growing tips.
Likely causes
Aphid infestation
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the stems and leaf undersides. 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 until they are gone.
Spider mites
PossibleHow to tell: Look for fine, dusty webbing between the stems and leaves. The foliage may also look speckled or pale.
What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it daily. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites and their webs.
Find out what's wrong with your lesser stitchwort
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
Small numbers of aphids are common and easily managed, but you should act if the plant starts losing vigor or the leaves begin to curl.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your plant healthy with consistent watering, as stressed plants are more attractive to pests.
Lesser stitchwort: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lesser stitchwort 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 the aphids?
- A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but be careful not to use too much as it can burn the foliage.
- Will the aphids kill my plant?
- Usually no, but they can weaken it significantly if left unchecked for a long time.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Lesser stitchwort
- Why is my Lesser stitchwort growing so thin and tall?
- Why is my Lesser stitchwort drooping?
- Why are my Lesser stitchwort leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Lesser stitchwort tips turning brown?
- Why is my Lesser stitchwort not flowering?
- Why is my Lesser stitchwort suffering from root rot?
- Why are my Lesser stitchwort leaves curling?
Back to the Lesser stitchwort 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.