PlantPal

Aphids on tender growth

Check crowded buds and soft shoots for small, pear-shaped insects.

Aphids clustered on a rose shoot.
Aphids clustered on a rose shoot. Photo: Sabalo22 · CC0 · Resized and converted for display.

What to check first

Look for clusters on growing tips, buds and leaf undersides. Aphids come in several colors. Sticky leaves or white shed skins are extra clues.

What to do now

Separate a movable plant. On sturdy growth, rinse away small colonies with a gentle stream of water. Check neighboring plants before treating them.

What to watch next

Look again at the same tips after a few days. New clusters mean you need another round of removal. Old curled leaves may stay curled after the insects are gone.

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