What pests or diseases affect lavender (for beginners)?

You're smart to ask about this! Lavender is generally pretty low-maintenance, which makes it great for beginners. Most problems come from giving it the wrong conditions, rather than from a specific bug or sickness. Think of it this way: a happy lavender plant is a healthy lavender plant!

Here are the most common things that can affect lavender, explained simply for beginners:

The #1 Problem: The "Wet Feet" Disease (Root and Crown Rot)

This is by far the most common killer of lavender, and it's almost always caused by too much water and poor drainage.

• What it looks like: Your lavender might start to wilt, even if the soil feels wet. The leaves can turn yellow or brown, often starting from the bottom of the plant. The whole plant might look droopy and just generally "unhappy" and might eventually collapse. If you pull it up, the roots will be mushy and dark instead of firm and white.

• Why it happens: Lavender loves dry, rocky, well-drained soil, like where it grows naturally in the Mediterranean. If its roots sit in soggy soil, they can't breathe and a fungus starts to grow, rotting the roots. This often happens from:

  • Overwatering: Giving it too much water, too often.

  • Heavy Soil: Planting in clay soil that holds onto water.

  • Poor Drainage: A pot without drainage holes, or a spot in the garden where water collects.

• What to do (Prevention is key!):

  • Plant in sunny spots: Lavender needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sun a day to help the soil dry out.

  • Give it good drainage:

    • In the ground: Mix lots of sand, gravel, or perlite into your soil to improve drainage, especially if you have clay. Or, plant it on a slight mound or in a raised bed.

    • In a pot: ALWAYS use a pot with drainage holes. Terracotta pots are great because they "breathe" and help the soil dry faster. Use a potting mix made for succulents or cacti, or mix your own with lots of perlite or coarse sand.

  • Water smart: Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil. If it's damp, wait. Lavender prefers to be on the drier side.

Other Less Common (But Possible) Problems:

1. Gray Mold (Botrytis)

• What it looks like: Fuzzy gray patches appearing on leaves, stems, or flowers, especially closer to the base of the plant. Infected parts will turn brown or yellow and shrivel.

• Why it happens: Too much humidity and not enough air circulation, often when plants are too close together, or if you're watering overhead and the leaves stay wet.

• What to do:

  • Give it space: Plant lavender far enough apart so air can flow around them.

  • Prune: Trim out any dead or crowded branches to improve airflow.

  • Water at the base: Try not to get the leaves wet, especially in the evening.

2. Spittlebugs

• What it looks like: You'll see frothy, bubbly white "spit" or "cuckoo spit" on the stems of your lavender. Inside the foam is a tiny green bug.

• Why it happens: These little insects are called froghoppers, and they create this foam as a protective home for their young. They suck a little sap, but usually don't cause much harm to the plant itself. It's more of a cosmetic issue.

• What to do: Usually, nothing is needed. If it bothers you, a strong spray of water from the hose will wash away the foam and the bug.

3. Aphids, Whiteflies, or Spider Mites

• What they look like:

  • Aphids: Tiny, soft-bodied bugs, often green or black, clustered on new growth.

  • Whiteflies: Tiny white "moths" that fly up when you disturb the plant, found on the undersides of leaves.

  • Spider Mites: Very tiny, almost invisible, but they create fine webbing, especially on the undersides of leaves. Leaves might look speckled or yellow.

• Why they happen: While lavender's scent often deters these, a stressed plant can be more vulnerable. They suck sap, which can weaken the plant.

• What to do:

  • Hose them off: A strong spray of water can dislodge them.

  • Inspect: Regularly check your plant for early signs.

  • Insecticidal soap/Neem oil: If you have a persistent problem, you can use these organic sprays (follow directions carefully).

The Beginner's Golden Rules for Lavender Health:

1. Sunshine, Sunshine, Sunshine: More sun means a healthier plant and drier soil.

2. Excellent Drainage is Non-Negotiable: If your soil stays wet, your lavender will likely die.

3. Don't Overwater: When in doubt, wait to water. Lavender prefers to be dry.

4. Good Airflow: Give your plants room to breathe.

If you get these basics right, your lavender will likely thrive with very few pest or disease problems!