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Valerian · Valeriana officinalis

Why are there bugs on my White Sweetscented Valerian?

Seeing tiny insects on your plant is frustrating, but it is a common issue for Valerian. Most often, you are dealing with aphids that love the tender new growth. Check the undersides of your leaves first to confirm.

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves for small clusters of insects.
  2. Check for sticky residue on the stems.
  3. Look for fine webbing between the leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the stems and flower buds. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the plant down with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Look for fine webbing between the leaves and tiny yellow stippling on the foliage. These pests thrive in dry, warm conditions.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it or using a pebble tray. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and use neem oil to treat the infestation.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your valerian

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

You should worry if the plant growth is stunted or the leaves begin to curl. A few bugs are manageable, but a full infestation can weaken the plant quickly.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with proper watering and check it weekly for early signs of pests.

Valerian: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your valerian 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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Questions people ask

Can I use dish soap to kill the aphids?
Yes, but use a mild, non-detergent soap mixed with water. Avoid soaps with degreasers or heavy fragrances as they can burn the leaves.
Will these bugs spread to my other plants?
Yes, aphids and mites move quickly between indoor plants. Isolate your Valerian until the pests are completely gone.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Valerian

Back to the Valerian 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.