What's eating my mandevilla 'alice du pont'?

Mandevilla 'Alice du Pont' is particularly vulnerable to spider mites — Michigan State University Extension flags Mandevilla x amabilis cultivars as especially susceptible. Hot, dry patio conditions trigger explosive mite populations that cause rapid leaf drop. Mealybugs, aphids, and whiteflies follow. Inspect weekly in summer; spider mites in hot weather are the headline threat and must be caught early.

Tiny yellow dots coalescing into bronzed, dried leaves; fine webbing — explodes rapidly above 85°F / 29°C Hose down foliage to reduce heat and dust; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap on both leaf surfaces weekly; increase humidity

Waxy white deposits at stem branch points and leaf axils; honeydew; wilting and yellowing Remove manually; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly; inspect branch crotches carefully

Soft-bodied insects on new growth; distorted shoots and buds unable to open; honeydew residue Knock off with water; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat until clear

Clouds of tiny white insects beneath leaves; yellowing foliage; sooty mould on honeydew Hose drench undersides with insecticidal soap; use yellow sticky traps; repeat every 5–7 days