Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny moving dots.
- Look for sticky residue on the stems.
- Check for fine webbing near the base of the leaves.
Likely causes
Aphids
PossibleHow to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustered on new growth or flower stems. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong 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 leaves and tiny yellow speckles on the foliage. These pests thrive in dry, hot conditions.
What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it regularly. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites and their webs.
Find out what's wrong with your japanese dandelion
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
It is serious if the leaves start yellowing or wilting from the infestation. A few stray bugs are normal for an outdoor plant.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your plant healthy with proper sunlight and consistent watering to help it resist pests. Check your plant every time you water.
Japanese dandelion: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your japanese dandelion 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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Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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Questions people ask
- Can I use neem oil?
- Yes, neem oil is effective against both aphids and spider mites. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in direct sun.
- Will these bugs kill my plant?
- Usually not, unless the infestation is very heavy. Most healthy dandelions can handle a small number of pests without major damage.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Japanese dandelion
- What are these white spots on my Japanese dandelion?
- Why is my Japanese dandelion drooping?
- Why is my Japanese dandelion not blooming?
- Why is my Japanese dandelion growing so tall and thin?
- Why are my Japanese dandelion leaves turning yellow?
- Why are the tips of my Japanese dandelion leaves turning brown?
- Why is my Japanese dandelion wilting?
- Why are my Japanese dandelion leaves curling?
Back to the Japanese dandelion 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.