Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Look closely at the stems for bumps.
- Check the undersides of leaves for webbing.
- Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to check for sticky residue.
Likely causes
Scale insects
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see small brown or tan bumps on the stems that look like tiny shells. They often leave a sticky substance called honeydew on the leaves.
What to do: Scrape the insects off gently with a soft toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, spray the tree with neem oil once every 7 days until they are gone.
Spider mites
PossibleHow to tell: You might notice fine webbing between the leaves or a dusty appearance on the foliage. The leaves may look speckled or pale.
What to do: Rinse the tree thoroughly with a strong stream of water to knock the mites off. Keep the humidity higher around the tree to discourage them from returning.
Find out what's wrong with your chinese tallow
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
A few bugs are usually manageable, but you should worry if the tree starts losing leaves or if the infestation spreads to every branch. Early detection is key to keeping the tree healthy.
Stopping it coming back
Wipe down the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth and keep the tree in a well ventilated area.
Chinese tallow: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chinese tallow 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
- Are these bugs harmful?
- Yes, they suck the sap from the tree and can weaken it over time. It is best to treat them as soon as you spot them.
- Can I use soap to kill them?
- A mild insecticidal soap is effective for many pests. Just be sure to test it on one leaf first to make sure it does not cause any damage.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Chinese tallow
Back to the Chinese tallow 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.