Knowledgebase

Hibiscus plant #780145

Asked January 12, 2022, 6:13 PM EST

Can you tell me what this is? I just noticed it today on my hibiscus plant. It's on the buds and leaves. The plant has been inside on a sunporch since bringing it inside this fall. Thank you!

Marion County Iowa

Expert Response

Hello:

Thank you for your message and for contacting Iowa State University.  The insects on the hibiscus flower bud are aphids.  Aphids are a common insect pest on hibiscus and tend to congregate on the flower buds.  See the University of Minnesota website for more details about hibiscus care.  https://extension.umn.edu/house-plants/hibiscus

It will take several treatments to eliminate the aphids.  One option is to put the plant in the shower or tub and use a stream of water to dislodge and wash away the aphids.  You can also apply repeated sprays of insecticidal soap, diluted and applied according to label directions.  Insecticidal soap is a detergent pesticide sold at garden centers.

A final option is to discard the plant, though these aphids are less likely to move to other houseplants.

Thanks.

Donald Lewis

Donald R. Lewis Replied January 19, 2022, 1:02 PM EST

Loading ...