Troubleshooting
Crape Jasmine problems — and how to fix them
Crape Jasmine (Tabernaemontana coronaria) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Mealybugs
Cottony white clusters in leaf axils and along stems are a frequent pest. Remove by hand with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab for light infestations; spray with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap for heavier outbreaks.
Leaf drop or yellowing
Sudden temperature drops below 10°C or cold draughts cause rapid leaf yellowing and drop. Maintain temperatures above 15°C indoors and avoid cold windowsill draughts in winter.
Failure to flower
Insufficient light is the primary cause. Move to a brighter position with at least 4 hours of indirect sun. Overfertilising with nitrogen encourages leafy growth at the expense of blooms; balance with phosphorus feeding.
Prevent crape jasmine problems before they start
Most crape jasmine issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for crape jasmine in general rather than its problems? Read the full crape jasmine care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Crape Jasmine problems — FAQ
Why is my crape jasmine mealybugs?
Cottony white clusters in leaf axils and along stems are a frequent pest. Remove by hand with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab for light infestations; spray with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap for heavier outbreaks.
Why is my crape jasmine leaf drop or yellowing?
Sudden temperature drops below 10°C or cold draughts cause rapid leaf yellowing and drop. Maintain temperatures above 15°C indoors and avoid cold windowsill draughts in winter.
Why is my crape jasmine failure to flower?
Insufficient light is the primary cause. Move to a brighter position with at least 4 hours of indirect sun. Overfertilising with nitrogen encourages leafy growth at the expense of blooms; balance with phosphorus feeding.