What's eating my cape daisy?

Cape daisy (Osteospermum ecklonis) is usually pest-light, but aphids are its most common visitor, clustering on leaf undersides and stems. Whitefly can build up in sheltered spots. Thrips occasionally damage petals. Natural predators usually keep populations in check; insecticidal soap or neem oil handles heavier infestations.

Soft colonies on leaf undersides and stem tips cause yellowing, leaf curl, and sticky honeydew; sooty mold can follow. Strong water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavier infestations; encourage ladybirds and lacewings.

Tiny white insects on leaf undersides produce honeydew, leading to sooty mold and leaf yellowing. Yellow sticky traps; spray leaf undersides with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; remove heavily infested leaves.

Silvery or bronze streaking on petals and leaves; buds may fail to open; visible as slender insects in flowers. Remove affected blooms; apply neem oil or spinosad; introduce beneficial predatory mites.