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Ivy-leaved speedwell · Veronica hederifolia

What are these bugs on my Ivy-leaved speedwell?

It is less common for this plant to have pests, but it usually happens when the plant is stressed by poor air circulation or low humidity. Check the undersides of the leaves first to identify any tiny insects.

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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 the leaves with a magnifying glass.
  2. Look for sticky residue or fine webbing on the stems.
  3. Isolate the plant from your other houseplants immediately.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see tiny green or black insects clustering on the new growth or flower buds.

    What to do: Wipe the pests off with a damp cloth or spray them with a gentle stream of water. For larger infestations, use a mild insecticidal soap once a week.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Fine webbing appears between the stems or leaves, and the foliage looks speckled.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by grouping it with others. Wash the leaves thoroughly with water to remove the mites and their webs.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your ivy-leaved 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.

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When to worry

If you see the plant declining rapidly or the pests are spreading to other plants, take action immediately. A few stray insects are easy to manage, but a full infestation is serious.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant clean by wiping the leaves occasionally and ensure good airflow around the pot.

Ivy-leaved speedwell: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your ivy-leaved speedwell 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 neem oil on this plant?
Yes, neem oil is effective for most common pests. Apply it in the evening to avoid leaf burn from direct sunlight.
Will the pests kill my plant?
If left untreated for a long time, they can weaken the plant significantly. Catching them early makes them very easy to manage.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Ivy-leaved speedwell

Back to the Ivy-leaved speedwell 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.