Pest identification
What's eating my sweet annie?
Aphids
Signs: Small colonies on young shoot tips; slight leaf curl and honeydew residue; usually self-limiting
Control: Remove by hand or water jet; insecticidal soap for persistent colonies; natural predators commonly resolve the issue
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippled flecking and fine webbing on leaf undersides in hot, dry conditions
Control: Keep plants well-watered; spray foliage undersides with water or diluted neem oil; improve air circulation
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy deposits on stems and roots; wilting and reduced vigour if root colonies establish
Control: Drench soil with neem oil solution; remove surface debris; inspect roots at repotting or division and treat with neem
Keep sweet annie pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Sweet Annie pests — FAQ
What is eating my sweet annie?
Sweet Annie (Artemisia annua) is notably pest-resistant — its artemisinin compounds actively repel many insects, making it a companion-planting ally. Aphids may briefly colonize soft new shoots, and spider mites appear under drought stress. Mealybugs can occasionally affect roots. Overall, pest damage is rarely significant.
How do I get rid of aphids on sweet annie?
Small colonies on young shoot tips; slight leaf curl and honeydew residue; usually self-limiting Remove by hand or water jet; insecticidal soap for persistent colonies; natural predators commonly resolve the issue
How do I get rid of spider mites on sweet annie?
Pale stippled flecking and fine webbing on leaf undersides in hot, dry conditions Keep plants well-watered; spray foliage undersides with water or diluted neem oil; improve air circulation
How do I get rid of mealybugs on sweet annie?
White waxy deposits on stems and roots; wilting and reduced vigour if root colonies establish Drench soil with neem oil solution; remove surface debris; inspect roots at repotting or division and treat with neem