Pest identification
What's eating my small-flowered calibrachoa?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on flower buds and new growth; yellowing, distorted shoots; sticky honeydew promotes sooty mold.
Control: Knock off with water jet; insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybirds or lacewings.
Thrips
Signs: Distorted or silvery-streaked petals; buds may abort; insects shelter inside tiny flower tubes.
Control: Remove infested blooms; spinosad-based spray; predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris.
Whitefly
Signs: Yellowing foliage and sooty mold from honeydew; white adults fly up when plant is touched.
Control: Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap or horticultural oil sprayed on leaf undersides.
Keep small-flowered calibrachoa pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Small-flowered calibrachoa pests — FAQ
What is eating my small-flowered calibrachoa?
Small-flowered calibrachoa shares the same pest vulnerabilities as the hybrid Calibrachoa group. Aphids are the principal threat, especially green peach aphid on new growth and flowers. Thrips and whitefly also occur. Routine inspection and insecticidal soap or neem oil applied at first sign keep plants blooming cleanly.
How do I get rid of aphids on small-flowered calibrachoa?
Clusters on flower buds and new growth; yellowing, distorted shoots; sticky honeydew promotes sooty mold. Knock off with water jet; insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybirds or lacewings.
How do I get rid of thrips on small-flowered calibrachoa?
Distorted or silvery-streaked petals; buds may abort; insects shelter inside tiny flower tubes. Remove infested blooms; spinosad-based spray; predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris.
How do I get rid of whitefly on small-flowered calibrachoa?
Yellowing foliage and sooty mold from honeydew; white adults fly up when plant is touched. Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap or horticultural oil sprayed on leaf undersides.