Can I use dish soap to kill the bugs?

You can use a very mild, non-detergent soap mixed with water, but commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the plant. Avoid using harsh degreasing soaps that can burn the leaves.

Will these pests spread to my other plants?

Yes, aphids and spider mites can easily travel to nearby plants. Isolate your germander speedwell until you are sure the infestation is completely gone.

Are there bugs on my germander speedwell? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves and flower buds for small insects.
Look for sticky residue on the stems or leaves.
Check for fine webbing between the foliage.

Likely causes

Aphids
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small green or black insects clustered on the new growth and flower buds. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap directly to the affected areas every 5 days for 2 weeks.
Spider Mites
Possible
How to tell: Look for fine, silky webbing between the stems and leaves. The foliage may also develop tiny yellow stippling marks where the mites have fed.
What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting it daily. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth and apply neem oil once a week until the webbing disappears.

Find out what's wrong with your germander speedwell

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 usually manageable, but you should worry if the plant stops growing or the leaves begin to yellow and drop. It is normal to see an occasional beneficial insect visiting your plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper watering and airflow to make it less attractive to pests. Regularly inspect the foliage during your weekly watering routine.

Keep your germander speedwell healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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, non-detergent soap mixed with water, but commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the plant. Avoid using harsh degreasing soaps that can burn the leaves.
Will these pests spread to my other plants?: Yes, aphids and spider mites can easily travel to nearby plants. Isolate your germander speedwell until you are sure the infestation is completely gone.

Are there bugs on my germander speedwell?