Pest identification
What's eating my blood-red trumpet vine?
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on tender new growth and flower buds; honeydew, sooty mould, and distorted shoots
Control: Hose off; apply insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators such as parasitic wasps and ladybirds
Mealybugs
Signs: Waxy white tufts at leaf joints and stem nodes; sticky residue; reduced vigour
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol; spray insecticidal soap; repeat weekly until clear
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; bronzing in dry conditions
Control: Raise humidity; rinse foliage; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days
Keep blood-red trumpet vine pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Blood-red trumpet vine pests — FAQ
What is eating my blood-red trumpet vine?
Blood-red trumpet vine (Distictis buccinatoria) is a vigorous tropical climber with few serious pest problems. Aphids and mealybugs are the most frequently reported. Spider mites can occur in hot, dry conditions, especially on container or indoor plants. The vine's rapid growth often outpaces minor pest damage.
How do I get rid of aphids on blood-red trumpet vine?
Colonies on tender new growth and flower buds; honeydew, sooty mould, and distorted shoots Hose off; apply insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators such as parasitic wasps and ladybirds
How do I get rid of mealybugs on blood-red trumpet vine?
Waxy white tufts at leaf joints and stem nodes; sticky residue; reduced vigour Dab with isopropyl alcohol; spray insecticidal soap; repeat weekly until clear
How do I get rid of spider mites on blood-red trumpet vine?
Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; bronzing in dry conditions Raise humidity; rinse foliage; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days