Whitefly on Houseplants: How to Spot Them and Keep Them Under Control

A Note on Bugs, Balance and Living with Nature

If you are keeping houseplants, you are already inviting life into your home — and sometimes that means more life than you bargained for.

We believe it is important to recognise that a few bugs are not just normal, they are part of a bigger picture. Creating a warm, bright, humid space that is perfect for tropical plants also creates the kind of environment that native creatures love. Spiders, woodlice, fruit flies, bumblebees, even the occasional wasp — these are all part of the wider ecosystem we live in. And while they may not be welcome guests on your Monstera, they are not always something to panic about either.

At Happy Houseplants, we do not believe in a scorched earth approach. We are not trying to wipe out every living thing that happens to pass through the house. Harsh pesticides, sterile environments, and unrealistic expectations do not align with our values — or with nature. And anyone who tells you they have a home full of plants and no bugs at all is probably not being entirely honest.

Some tiny insects will always find their way in — especially in summer — and most are just passing through. If you spot a house spider lurking under a shelf or a beetle minding its business on a leaf, try to resist the urge to squash or spray. They are part of the world too.

That said, infestations are a different story. If you are seeing persistent bugs, sticky leaves, or damage to your plants, it is usually a sign that something in your care routine is encouraging them to settle in — most often overwatering or poor airflow. That is where our guides come in. We will help you spot the warning signs, understand what is going on, and make simple adjustments to stop things getting out of hand.

So yes, some bugs are okay. They are part of the deal. But no one wants to live in a bug hotel either. If it has reached that point, we will help you get back to balance — gently, honestly, and with respect for all the lives in your little indoor ecosystem.

Whitefly on Houseplants: How to Spot Them and Keep Them Under Control

Whiteflies are one of those pests you often notice when watering. You go to move your plant, and a cloud of tiny white moth-like insects rises up. While they may look delicate, they feed by sucking the sap from your plant’s leaves — and in larger numbers, they can affect growth and general health.

They can be frustrating, especially if they keep coming back, but the good news is they are manageable. With a few small changes and some gentle persistence, most whitefly problems can be brought under control.

What Are Whiteflies?

Whiteflies are small, winged insects related to aphids and mealybugs. They live on the underside of leaves and feed by piercing the leaf surface and draining the plant’s sap. They thrive in warm, still environments and are especially common on leafy, soft-stemmed plants.

Despite the name, they are not true flies. Their powdery white appearance and fluttering movement makes them easy to spot once disturbed.

How to Identify Whiteflies on Indoor Plants

Look for:

• Tiny white insects fluttering when the plant is moved

• Sticky residue on leaves (honeydew)

• Yellowing or curled leaves, especially at the top of the plant

• White clusters or eggs on the undersides of leaves

• Presence of sooty mould growing on the sticky sap

They are often found on ferns, herbs, soft foliage plants and fast-growing tropicals.

What Causes Whitefly Infestations?

Whiteflies thrive in:

• Warm rooms with little airflow

• Plants with dense foliage or crowded displays

• Overwatered or overfed plants

• Lack of regular leaf cleaning

• Summer months, when windows are open and flying insects can enter easily

They tend to target young growth and new leaves, especially if the plant is already a little stressed.

How to Get Rid of Whiteflies Naturally

1. Shake the plant gently
Whiteflies are weak flyers. Shaking the plant will disturb them, making it easier to catch and remove them.

2. Rinse the leaves
Use a gentle spray of water to wash off eggs and insects from the underside of the leaves. A handheld showerhead or sink spray works well.

3. Wipe the leaves regularly
Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down leaves. This removes insects, eggs and honeydew, and helps stop mould from forming.

4. Use yellow sticky traps
These can catch flying adults and help monitor whether the population is increasing or decreasing.

5. Increase airflow
A small fan or open window (when safe) can make the environment less hospitable for whiteflies.

Repeat this process every few days until numbers drop — persistence is key.

How to Prevent Whiteflies Coming Back

• Wipe leaves every week or two
• Check new plants before adding them to your collection
• Avoid overfeeding or overwatering
• Thin out crowded displays if airflow is poor
• Keep an eye on soft-leaved or fast-growing plants in summer

Do You Need Chemical Sprays for Whiteflies?

In most cases, no. Whiteflies are soft-bodied and respond well to physical removal and natural disruption. If the infestation is stubborn, a gentle, plant-safe spray may help — but strong insecticides often do more harm than good and can unbalance your indoor space. Focus first on improving care and removing eggs and insects manually.

FAQs About Whitefly on Houseplants

Are whiteflies harmful to people or pets?
No. They are a plant pest only and pose no risk to humans or animals.

Will whiteflies kill my plant?
Rarely. But they can weaken the plant over time and make it more vulnerable to disease or leaf drop.

What is the sticky residue on the leaves?
That is honeydew — a sugary substance excreted by whiteflies as they feed. It can attract ants or lead to mould if not cleaned off.

Can they spread to other plants?
Yes. Whiteflies can fly short distances and will move to nearby plants if conditions are right.

Are whiteflies the same as fungus gnats?
No. Fungus gnats live in soil and look like tiny black flies. Whiteflies live on leaves and are pale, winged insects.

Back to Calm, Clean Leaves

Whiteflies can be annoying, but they are not a crisis. A few good rinses, regular leaf cleaning, and a watchful eye are often all it takes to clear them up. They are a sign to step in and rebalance things — not to panic. Once under control, your plant will recover, and the little white flutter will be gone as quickly as it arrived.

Find this guide helpful? There’s more advice like this in our UK houseplant care blog — or head back to our Pest Help hub for tips on everything from aphids to fungus gnats.