P.Afra bugs showing up - Green, black..

[cbrshadow23]

I looked closely at some of my smaller P.Afra plants and noticed some small black bugs.. LOTS of them. If I look really closely there are actually green guys too. What are these bugs, are they harmful, and how can I get rid of them? I've read that a dishsoap mixture works, but I'm a bit afraid to spray them for fear of hurting the plants. Do I just need to get over it and spray them? What's the process?

I only see these on (1) pot of plants, but I have others nearby - spray them all?

Thanks!

 

[MrWunderful]

Aphids.

Soap mixture is fine, neem oil is what I use but I think its petroleum based and porttys dont like to be covered in it (I used it sparingly in directed sprays) then I spray it off with water.

Some people just blast them with water only.

 

[Forrestford]

I mix Neem oil extract and a little bit of soap and put it in a spray bottle with water. If they are congregating in certain areas you can just clip it off. You live in CA, Port's prob grow crazy in your climate.

 

[Michael P]

+1 on aphids. Try the dish soap and water mixture first. It's cheap, poses little or no danger to the plant, and is surprisingly effective. And pray for lady beetles, a.k.a. ladybugs.

 

[cbrshadow23]

This worked! I did a light mixture of Dawn Dishsoap with water in a spray bottle and soaked the plant, let it sit for 10 minutes, then gave it a good rinse. This morning the plant looks great and there are no bugs.
Thanks for the advice!