Pest identification
What's eating my tulsi kapoor?
Aphids
Signs: Congregate on tender new shoots and flower stems, sucking sap and causing curled, sticky leaves. Honeydew can lead to sooty mould on foliage.
Control: Spray with diluted insecticidal soap or neem oil. Blast off with water. Attract natural predators (ladybirds, hoverflies) with companion flowers nearby.
Slugs and snails
Signs: Chew irregular holes in leaves, especially on young plants and after rain. Leave slimy mucus trails as evidence.
Control: Hand-pick at dusk. Apply diatomaceous earth or copper tape around pots. Use iron-phosphate slug pellets (pet-safe) around garden beds.
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on leaf undersides with pale yellow or bronze stippling; worst in hot, dry weather.
Control: Increase humidity by misting. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, focusing on leaf undersides. Remove affected leaves promptly.
Keep tulsi kapoor pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tulsi Kapoor pests — FAQ
What is eating my tulsi kapoor?
Tulsi 'Kapoor' (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is fairly pest-resistant but aphids, slugs, and spider mites can become problematic. Aphids are the most common attacker, clustering on new growth and flower spikes. Hand-picking, soapy-water sprays, and good air circulation keep this sacred herb healthy.
How do I get rid of aphids on tulsi kapoor?
Congregate on tender new shoots and flower stems, sucking sap and causing curled, sticky leaves. Honeydew can lead to sooty mould on foliage. Spray with diluted insecticidal soap or neem oil. Blast off with water. Attract natural predators (ladybirds, hoverflies) with companion flowers nearby.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on tulsi kapoor?
Chew irregular holes in leaves, especially on young plants and after rain. Leave slimy mucus trails as evidence. Hand-pick at dusk. Apply diatomaceous earth or copper tape around pots. Use iron-phosphate slug pellets (pet-safe) around garden beds.
How do I get rid of spider mites on tulsi kapoor?
Fine webbing on leaf undersides with pale yellow or bronze stippling; worst in hot, dry weather. Increase humidity by misting. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, focusing on leaf undersides. Remove affected leaves promptly.