Can I use dish soap to kill the bugs?

You can use a very mild solution of a few drops of unscented dish soap in a quart of water. Rinse the leaves thoroughly afterward to prevent soap buildup.

Do I need to isolate my plant?

Yes, move the infested plant away from your other plants immediately to prevent the pests from spreading.

American germander: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves with a magnifying glass.
Look for sticky residue on the stems.
Check for webbing between leaf joints.

Likely causes

Spider Mites
Most likely
How to tell: You see fine, silky webbing between the leaves and tiny yellow stippling on the foliage. The leaves may eventually look dusty or bleached.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the webs. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap every 5 days for 2 weeks to kill any remaining mites.
Aphids
Possible
How to tell: Small green or black insects cluster on the new growth and flower buds. They leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew that can attract ants.
What to do: Blast the insects off with a gentle stream of water from a spray bottle. If they persist, apply neem oil to the affected areas once a week.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your american germander

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.

When to worry

A few stray insects are easy to manage, but a full infestation that covers the stems requires immediate treatment. It is normal to see an occasional bug outdoors, but indoor plants should be kept pest free.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a well ventilated area and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth monthly to discourage pests.

American germander: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your american germander 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I use dish soap to kill the bugs?: You can use a very mild solution of a few drops of unscented dish soap in a quart of water. Rinse the leaves thoroughly afterward to prevent soap buildup.
Do I need to isolate my plant?: Yes, move the infested plant away from your other plants immediately to prevent the pests from spreading.

What are these bugs on my American germander?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your american germander?

Likely causes

Spider Mites

Aphids

Find out what's wrong with your american germander

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

American germander: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with American germander