Pest identification
What's eating my ipomoea lobata?
Aphids
Signs: Sticky honeydew on stem tips, distorted foliage, and sooty mould development
Control: Wash off with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce natural predators
Slugs and snails
Signs: Seedlings sheared off at soil level; irregular holes in young foliage
Control: Use iron phosphate pellets at sowing time; shelter seedlings with cloches until established
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippled leaves, fine webbing on undersides during hot dry spells
Control: Increase watering and humidity around plants; spray neem oil or miticide
Keep ipomoea lobata pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Ipomoea lobata pests — FAQ
What is eating my ipomoea lobata?
Spanish flag (Ipomoea lobata) is relatively pest-resistant but aphids colonise new growth and spider mites attack in dry weather. Slugs and snails can demolish seedlings overnight. Whitefly may appear on container-grown plants. Overall, aphids are the most frequent problem growers encounter on this vigorous annual climber.
How do I get rid of aphids on ipomoea lobata?
Sticky honeydew on stem tips, distorted foliage, and sooty mould development Wash off with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce natural predators
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on ipomoea lobata?
Seedlings sheared off at soil level; irregular holes in young foliage Use iron phosphate pellets at sowing time; shelter seedlings with cloches until established
How do I get rid of spider mites on ipomoea lobata?
Pale stippled leaves, fine webbing on undersides during hot dry spells Increase watering and humidity around plants; spray neem oil or miticide