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White insect on rhododendron?

Hi guys and girls!

I've just noticed these tiny white insects on the small rhododendron i have planted in a container. I did a little Google search but couldn't find anything definitive, could someone shed some light? Should i be worried? And should i just spray with a bug spray? I'd rather stay as organic as possible.

They don't seem to be moving, it should be noted.


Thanks,
I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 

Posts

  • Aphids molt off their old skin as they grow and the pictures look like this to me. Maybe something has been able to eat the aphids themselves or they have moved on to find something easier to eat. You could wash them off if you like with just a spray of water but if the aphids are not harming the plant you could just leave a few to provide food for natural predators like hover flies or ladybirds.
  • LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
    @robairdmacraignil thanks. I've had a look, couldn't see anything moving so hopefully nothing there, can't see any damage. I've given it a rinse. 👍🏼
    I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
  • campbel.jacampbel.ja Posts: 1
    edited May 2023
    I have this same issue (very precisely) which last year caused leaves to warp and shrivel while remaining green. The problem has reappeared this spring. They were diagnosed as Lace Bugs by a local garden service, but they do look very much like Aphid exoskeletons (per a Google), as suggested by robairdmacraignil.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I agree - just the skins of aphids. They're unlikely to be a problem on a healthy rhodo, but you can sometimes get them around the flower buds, and secreting their honeydew which can cause the buds to stick a bit - the same as with roses/peonies.
    If you spot any along with ants, that can be a sign. I get that on peony buds sometimes, but if you keep an eye on it, and give the buds a wipe now and again, it's usually fine. The weather has an input too - plenty of rain helps to keep the buds viable, and the aphids at bay  :)  
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    'I go with the aphids' remains.  I have never been problemed by aphids on rhodies. 
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
    A good bit of info here for anyone stumbling across this thread.

    As for the original problem, well that was back in 2020 and the rhododendron in question got killed off in last years heat!
    I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
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