Pest identification
What's eating my globe amaranth?
Aphids
Signs: Small soft insects clustered on shoot tips and developing flower heads; sticky honeydew and sooty mould may follow.
Control: Dislodge with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; attract ladybirds and lacewings with nearby companion plants.
Spider mites
Signs: Fine stippling and bronze speckling on leaves, with subtle webbing on leaf undersides in hot, dry weather.
Control: Improve air circulation and mist foliage in dry spells; apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; remove heavily infested stems.
Whiteflies
Signs: Tiny white insects fly up in a cloud when foliage is disturbed; leaves yellow and develop sticky deposits.
Control: Use yellow sticky traps; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to undersides of leaves; keep weeds down around plants.
Keep globe amaranth pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Globe amaranth pests — FAQ
What is eating my globe amaranth?
Globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa) is one of the most pest-resistant annual flowers. Aphids may cluster on new growth in warm weather, spider mites appear in hot dry conditions, and whiteflies can settle on foliage. Deer and rabbits largely avoid it due to its rough, hairy texture. Overall pest pressure is very low and rarely warrants treatment.
How do I get rid of aphids on globe amaranth?
Small soft insects clustered on shoot tips and developing flower heads; sticky honeydew and sooty mould may follow. Dislodge with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; attract ladybirds and lacewings with nearby companion plants.
How do I get rid of spider mites on globe amaranth?
Fine stippling and bronze speckling on leaves, with subtle webbing on leaf undersides in hot, dry weather. Improve air circulation and mist foliage in dry spells; apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; remove heavily infested stems.
How do I get rid of whiteflies on globe amaranth?
Tiny white insects fly up in a cloud when foliage is disturbed; leaves yellow and develop sticky deposits. Use yellow sticky traps; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to undersides of leaves; keep weeds down around plants.