Pest identification
What's eating my greek mountain tea?
Aphids
Signs: Small clusters of green or black insects on new shoot tips; sticky honeydew deposits; minor distortion of new growth.
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution; a strong jet of water is usually sufficient for light infestations.
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Fine pale stippling on silvery-hairy leaves; fine webbing on undersides in hot, dry conditions; mainly a greenhouse or indoor problem.
Control: Increase humidity; wash foliage with water; apply neem oil spray; move plants to better-ventilated conditions.
Keep greek mountain tea pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Greek Mountain Tea pests — FAQ
What is eating my greek mountain tea?
Greek Mountain Tea (Sideritis syriaca) is a sun-loving Mediterranean shrub that is highly drought-tolerant and generally pest-resistant. Aphids may colonise soft new growth, and root rot from overwatering is a greater risk than insects. Spider mites can appear in hot, dry indoor or greenhouse conditions. It rarely needs any pest intervention outdoors.
How do I get rid of aphids on greek mountain tea?
Small clusters of green or black insects on new shoot tips; sticky honeydew deposits; minor distortion of new growth. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution; a strong jet of water is usually sufficient for light infestations.
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on greek mountain tea?
Fine pale stippling on silvery-hairy leaves; fine webbing on undersides in hot, dry conditions; mainly a greenhouse or indoor problem. Increase humidity; wash foliage with water; apply neem oil spray; move plants to better-ventilated conditions.