Pest identification
What's eating my sweet marjoram?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of small insects on shoot tips; sticky honeydew residue; distorted, curled leaves
Control: Knock off with a firm water spray; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; plant near aphid-attracting decoy plants
Spider mites
Signs: Pale, stippled leaves and fine webbing on undersides; plants look bleached in dry, warm weather
Control: Mist foliage regularly to raise humidity; spray undersides with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil
Leafhoppers
Signs: White or pale-green stippling across leaf surfaces; insects jump away when plant is disturbed
Control: Use reflective mulch to disorient adults; apply insecticidal soap at dusk when they are less active
Keep sweet marjoram pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Sweet marjoram pests — FAQ
What is eating my sweet marjoram?
Sweet marjoram attracts aphids to its soft new growth and is susceptible to spider mites in hot, dry conditions. Leafhoppers occasionally feed on foliage outdoors. Its aromatic oils deter many common garden pests, making it generally low-maintenance once established.
How do I get rid of aphids on sweet marjoram?
Clusters of small insects on shoot tips; sticky honeydew residue; distorted, curled leaves Knock off with a firm water spray; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; plant near aphid-attracting decoy plants
How do I get rid of spider mites on sweet marjoram?
Pale, stippled leaves and fine webbing on undersides; plants look bleached in dry, warm weather Mist foliage regularly to raise humidity; spray undersides with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil
How do I get rid of leafhoppers on sweet marjoram?
White or pale-green stippling across leaf surfaces; insects jump away when plant is disturbed Use reflective mulch to disorient adults; apply insecticidal soap at dusk when they are less active