Pest identification
What's eating my narrowleaf gazania?
Aphids (various species)
Signs: Small colonies on growing tips and stems; honeydew; minor distortion; rarely a serious problem on this species
Control: Water blast; insecticidal soap; encourage ladybirds; avoid excess fertiliser that produces lush soft growth
Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis and related)
Signs: Silver streaking and bleaching of petals; speckled upper leaf surface; flowers may fail to open properly
Control: Remove damaged flowers promptly; apply spinosad; use blue sticky traps for early detection; avoid wetting foliage
Two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Fine pale stippling and bronzing of leaf tissue; fine webbing on undersides; worst in dry heat
Control: Mist plant undersides; apply neem oil or bifenazate miticide; ensure adequate soil moisture in summer
Keep narrowleaf gazania pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Narrowleaf gazania pests — FAQ
What is eating my narrowleaf gazania?
Gazania linearis, a narrow-leaved species from South Africa, is very drought-tolerant and generally pest-resistant. Aphids may appear on stems, and thrips damage petals and foliage in warm conditions. Spider mites can be problematic in hot, dry summers. Slugs occasionally graze young plants. Overall pest pressure is low in full sun.
How do I get rid of aphids (various species) on narrowleaf gazania?
Small colonies on growing tips and stems; honeydew; minor distortion; rarely a serious problem on this species Water blast; insecticidal soap; encourage ladybirds; avoid excess fertiliser that produces lush soft growth
How do I get rid of thrips (frankliniella occidentalis and related) on narrowleaf gazania?
Silver streaking and bleaching of petals; speckled upper leaf surface; flowers may fail to open properly Remove damaged flowers promptly; apply spinosad; use blue sticky traps for early detection; avoid wetting foliage
How do I get rid of two-spotted spider mite (tetranychus urticae) on narrowleaf gazania?
Fine pale stippling and bronzing of leaf tissue; fine webbing on undersides; worst in dry heat Mist plant undersides; apply neem oil or bifenazate miticide; ensure adequate soil moisture in summer