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All problems
Moderate
Pest

Sticky leaves, curled tips, clusters of tiny insects (aphids)

Clusters of soft, pear-shaped insects (green, black or white) on new growth and the underside of leaves.

Commonly affects: Lettuce, Peppers, Tomatoes, Most crops

What you'll see

  • Clusters of small soft insects on new growth and leaf undersides
  • Curled, distorted new leaves
  • Sticky 'honeydew' on leaves below
  • Black sooty mould growing on the honeydew
  • Ants farming the colonies

Likely causes

  • Outdoor entry — fly in or carried by ants
  • Brought in on new plants or seedlings
  • Soft, lush growth from over-feeding nitrogen attracts them

How to fix it (step by step)

  1. 1Spray plants firmly with plain water to knock colonies off — repeat every 2–3 days
  2. 2Use a registered insecticidal soap only as labelled; household dishwashing liquid can damage plants
  3. 3Release ladybirds or lacewings indoors / in greenhouses
  4. 4For persistent infestations, obtain a crop-appropriate registered treatment and follow label and harvest requirements

Stop it happening again

  • Inspect new plants carefully before bringing them in
  • Avoid pushing nitrogen — keep GROW at recommended dose, not above
  • Keep insect mesh on greenhouse vents

Need a second opinion?

Share dated photos, root observations, water readings and your mixing record so our team can assess the problem. Visual symptoms alone do not confirm a diagnosis.

Confirm the cause before treating the crop

Collect observations that distinguish possible causes

Record the first appearance of symptoms, the affected plants and whether old or new tissue is involved. Inspect roots, delivery and visible pests. Compare a healthy plant nearby. Record pH, EC, temperature and recent changes. Several causes may act together; the symptom title is a starting point, not a confirmed diagnosis.

Verify calibration and the complete mixing record. Product links explain nutrient roles; they are not instructions to use one bottle alone. Record your correction and assess subsequent growth because damaged leaves and fruit may not recover.

Escalate safely

Rapid wilting, collapse or spreading root symptoms need prompt checks of flow, oxygen and hygiene. Protect unaffected plants where practical and seek qualified diagnosis. Treatments must be registered for their intended crop and use and applied according to label, including harvest intervals.

When asking for help, provide dated root and leaf photos, water readings and mixing records. Do not combine nutrient changes with disinfectants or pesticides without compatibility advice. An online guide cannot confirm a pathogen or prescribe a universal chemical treatment.

Further reading

These sources support general cultivation guidance, not verified Nana Organics product performance. Current NaO instructions take precedence over another brand’s feeding schedule.