What's eating my bush allamanda?

Bush Allamanda (Allamanda schottii) is a compact shrubby tropical susceptible to the same core pest complex as other Allamanda species. Spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and aphids are the main threats. Grown outdoors in warm climates, whitefly also becomes a regular visitor. Neem oil and insecticidal soap are effective for all these pests.

Tiny pale dots and webbing on leaf undersides; foliage looks dull or stippled; can cause premature leaf drop in hot, dry conditions. Increase humidity, rinse leaves, then spray with neem oil or miticide every 7 days. Avoid drought stress which worsens outbreaks.

Hard or cottony bumps on stems; sticky honeydew and sooty mold develop; shoots may wilt. Scrape off with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil to smother crawlers, repeating every 14 days until clear.

White waxy clusters in leaf axils and along stems; honeydew promotes mold and slows growth. Remove with alcohol swabs; spray with insecticidal soap on a 10-day cycle. Keep the plant in bright conditions to discourage infestations.

Soft-bodied colonies on new shoots and buds; leaves curl and distort; honeydew attracts sooty mold. Dislodge with a firm water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed. Natural predators such as ladybirds provide good ongoing control.