Problem Solver

Aphids (greenfly and blackfly)

Soft, sap-sucking insects that cluster on new shoots and under leaves, leaving sticky honeydew. Squash early colonies and bring in natural enemies.

Caterpillars

Moth larvae that chew leaves and can tunnel into flowers, causing rot. Hand-pick, screen the tent and remove damaged flowers fast.

Fungus gnats (sciarid flies)

Small black flies that breed in constantly wet medium. Adults are a nuisance; the larvae can damage seedling and young roots. The fix starts with watering.

Root aphids

Aphids that feed on roots, so they're easy to miss and often mistaken for a deficiency or watering problem. You have to look at the roots.

Spider mite

Tiny sap-sucking mites that speckle leaves and spin fine webs. They thrive in hot, dry, still air and build up fast, so act at the first speckles.

Thrips

Slim, fast insects that rasp leaves, leaving silvery streaks and black dots. They pupate in the growing medium, so treat leaves and medium together.

Whitefly

Tiny white moth-like insects that fly up in a cloud when the plant is brushed. Use traps to monitor and Encarsia wasps before numbers get heavy.