Pest identification
What's eating my pelargonium 'mabel grey'?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of pale or green insects on new growth; honeydew, leaf curl, and weakened shoots.
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; physically remove with water; introduce parasitic wasps in enclosed spaces.
Whitefly
Signs: White adult flies rise from foliage when disturbed; yellow, sticky leaves with sooty mould coating.
Control: Yellow sticky traps plus pyrethrin or insecticidal soap spray; repeat every 5–7 days for 3–4 cycles.
Spider mites
Signs: Speckling and bronzing of leaves; fine webbing on undersides in hot, dry growing conditions.
Control: Increase humidity and ventilation; apply neem oil; release Phytoseiulus persimilis for biological control indoors.
Keep pelargonium 'mabel grey' pest-free
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Pelargonium 'Mabel Grey' pests — FAQ
What is eating my pelargonium 'mabel grey'?
Pelargonium 'Mabel Grey', a lemon-verbena-scented cultivar, is most commonly attacked by aphids and whitefly on its aromatic foliage. Spider mites appear under warm indoor conditions. Vine weevil grubs are a risk in containers. Aphids on tender shoot tips are the most persistent problem.
How do I get rid of aphids on pelargonium 'mabel grey'?
Clusters of pale or green insects on new growth; honeydew, leaf curl, and weakened shoots. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; physically remove with water; introduce parasitic wasps in enclosed spaces.
How do I get rid of whitefly on pelargonium 'mabel grey'?
White adult flies rise from foliage when disturbed; yellow, sticky leaves with sooty mould coating. Yellow sticky traps plus pyrethrin or insecticidal soap spray; repeat every 5–7 days for 3–4 cycles.
How do I get rid of spider mites on pelargonium 'mabel grey'?
Speckling and bronzing of leaves; fine webbing on undersides in hot, dry growing conditions. Increase humidity and ventilation; apply neem oil; release Phytoseiulus persimilis for biological control indoors.