Troubleshooting
Canary creeper problems — and how to fix them
Canary creeper (Tropaeolum peregrinum) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Powdery mildew
Common in warm, dry, or poorly ventilated conditions; improve air circulation and water at the base, and remove affected leaves promptly.
Aphids and blackfly
Black bean aphids and greenfly cluster on soft growth; squash by hand or apply insecticidal soap spray, taking care not to damage delicate leaf stalks.
Caterpillar damage
Caterpillars of the small white butterfly (Pieris rapae) feed on leaves; pick off by hand or use a Bacillus thuringiensis biological spray.
Prevent canary creeper problems before they start
Most canary creeper issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for canary creeper in general rather than its problems? Read the full canary creeper care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Canary creeper problems — FAQ
Why is my canary creeper powdery mildew?
Common in warm, dry, or poorly ventilated conditions; improve air circulation and water at the base, and remove affected leaves promptly.
Why is my canary creeper aphids and blackfly?
Black bean aphids and greenfly cluster on soft growth; squash by hand or apply insecticidal soap spray, taking care not to damage delicate leaf stalks.
Why is my canary creeper caterpillar damage?
Caterpillars of the small white butterfly (Pieris rapae) feed on leaves; pick off by hand or use a Bacillus thuringiensis biological spray.