Plant problems · Pests · Any stage · Act this week
Aphids
What you see
- Clusters of small soft green, black or white insects under leaves and on new shoots
- Sticky shiny residue (honeydew) on leaves
- Curled new growth, sometimes ants walking up the plant
Why it happens
Aphids suck sap and multiply fast, especially on soft growth from too much nitrogen. Ants farm them for the honeydew.
What to do
- Wash them off with a gentle water spray
- Spray insecticidal soap in veg, covering the undersides
- Ladybirds or lacewing larvae are effective helpers
Next time
- Avoid excess nitrogen
- Check new shoots weekly
Easy to confuse with
- Spider mites: Tiny white or yellow dots on the top of leaves
- Whiteflies: Small white flying insects that rise when you touch the plant
Not sure?
Take a photo of the underside of a new shoot, close up and ask the Grow Doctor, or send it to the grow companion on Telegram.