Troubleshooting
Guava problems — and how to fix them
Guava (Psidium guajava) 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.
Fruit flies
Caribbean and other fruit flies lay eggs in ripening guavas, causing maggoty, rotting fruit; bag developing fruit or use traps and sanitation.
Guava rust
The fungal disease Austropuccinia psidii causes bright orange-yellow pustules on new growth and can deform shoots; prune affected tips and improve airflow.
Aggressive spread
Guava self-seeds prolifically and is invasive in many warm regions; remove suckers and unwanted seedlings, and avoid planting near sensitive natural areas.
Scale and mealybugs
Sap-sucking pests cause honeydew and sooty mould; control with horticultural oil, insecticidal soap or natural predators.
Prevent guava problems before they start
Most guava issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for guava in general rather than its problems? Read the full guava care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Guava problems — FAQ
Why is my guava fruit flies?
Caribbean and other fruit flies lay eggs in ripening guavas, causing maggoty, rotting fruit; bag developing fruit or use traps and sanitation.
Why is my guava guava rust?
The fungal disease Austropuccinia psidii causes bright orange-yellow pustules on new growth and can deform shoots; prune affected tips and improve airflow.
Why is my guava aggressive spread?
Guava self-seeds prolifically and is invasive in many warm regions; remove suckers and unwanted seedlings, and avoid planting near sensitive natural areas.
Why is my guava scale and mealybugs?
Sap-sucking pests cause honeydew and sooty mould; control with horticultural oil, insecticidal soap or natural predators.