Can I just wash the thrips off?

Washing is a great first step to reduce numbers, but because thrips hide in tight crevices like flower buds, it rarely removes the entire population on its own.

Yes, adult thrips have wings and can fly or be carried by the wind to new plants, which is why they spread so quickly.

Will my plant recover after treatment?

The damaged leaves will not heal, but once the thrips are gone, the plant will produce new, healthy growth.

Thrips

Symptoms by part

Leaves

Look for silvery or bronze streaks, stippling, or distorted, curled foliage that may show tiny black specks of excrement.

Flowers

Petals often show brown edges, streaks, or deformed shapes and may drop prematurely.

Causes

Warm, dry conditions that favor rapid reproduction.
Introduction of infested new plants into your collection.
Nearby weeds or garden plants that harbor populations.

Could be confused with

Spider mites · Spider mites create fine webbing between leaves, whereas thrips leave behind tiny black fecal spots.
Powdery mildew · Powdery mildew is a white, fuzzy fungal growth that can be wiped off, while thrips damage is permanent tissue scarring.

Treatment

1. Isolate the affected plant immediately to prevent the insects from moving to healthy neighbors.
2. Gently wash the entire plant with a strong stream of water, focusing on the undersides of leaves and inside flower buds, to physically dislodge the insects.
3. Prune away heavily infested or severely damaged leaves and flowers, disposing of them in the trash rather than the compost pile.
4. Apply a treatment of fatty acids to the foliage, ensuring you cover all surfaces, follow the label.
5. Apply a treatment of spinosad to the foliage if the infestation persists, follow the label.

Without chemicals

Use blue or yellow sticky traps near the plant to catch flying adults.
Prune and destroy heavily damaged plant parts.
Isolate new plants for a few weeks before placing them near your existing collection.

Chemical options

Fatty acids, spray directly onto the insects on all leaf surfaces, follow the label.
Spinosad, apply to foliage during the active growing season, follow the label.

Preventing it

Keep plants well hydrated, as stressed plants are more attractive to thrips.
Inspect new plants thoroughly for signs of damage before bringing them home.
Remove weeds from around your growing area that might host thrips.
Use fine mesh screens on greenhouse vents to keep adults out.

Season

The warm growing season.

Spread risk

High

Severity

Moderate

When to act

Act as soon as you spot the first signs of silvery streaking or black specks. If the plant is severely stunted or the infestation covers the entire plant despite treatment, it is best to remove and discard the plant to protect others.

Think it's Thrips?

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Questions people ask

Can I just wash the thrips off?: Washing is a great first step to reduce numbers, but because thrips hide in tight crevices like flower buds, it rarely removes the entire population on its own.
Do thrips fly?: Yes, adult thrips have wings and can fly or be carried by the wind to new plants, which is why they spread so quickly.
Will my plant recover after treatment?: The damaged leaves will not heal, but once the thrips are gone, the plant will produce new, healthy growth.

Plants it affects

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This guide was generated with AI and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.