Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Princess Flower · Tibouchina

Are there bugs on my Princess Flower?

Pests are less common on healthy Tibouchinas, but they can show up if the plant is stressed or kept in dry air. Check the leaf joints and undersides of the leaves first for any signs of webbing or sticky residue.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the new growth for clusters of tiny bugs.
  2. Check for fine webbing between the stems.
  3. Wipe a leaf with a white tissue to see if any color or bugs rub off.

Likely causes

  1. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: You might see tiny webs between the leaves or a stippled, dusty appearance on the foliage. These pests thrive in hot, dry conditions.

    What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. You can also spray the plant with insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Aphids

    Possible

    How to tell: These small, soft bodied insects cluster on new growth and flower buds. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.

    What to do: Blast the aphids off with a steady stream of water from a garden hose. If they persist, apply neem oil to the affected areas once a week.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your princess flower

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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

It is serious if you see significant leaf curling or stunted flower buds. A few stray bugs are normal and can be managed easily.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant hydrated and occasionally mist the leaves to maintain humidity, which discourages spider mites.

Princess Flower: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your princess flower 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

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

Questions people ask

Can I use dish soap to kill the bugs?
A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but insecticidal soap is safer for the plant. Avoid using harsh detergents.
Will these bugs kill my plant?
Not usually, unless the infestation is left unchecked for a long time. Catching them early makes treatment very simple.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Princess Flower

Back to the Princess Flower 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.