Pest identification
What's eating my chilean jasmine?
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny yellow dots covering leaf surfaces, fine webbing below; rapid leaf bronzing and drop in hot dry weather
Control: Water consistently; hose foliage in the morning; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to all surfaces weekly
Aphids
Signs: Soft-bodied insects on tender new shoots and flower buds; curled, sticky, distorted growth
Control: Knock off with strong water jet; neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; repeat until infestation clears
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy clusters at stem crotches and leaf axils; honeydew, stunted growth
Control: Remove by hand or with alcohol swab; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly
Keep chilean jasmine pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Chilean Jasmine pests — FAQ
What is eating my chilean jasmine?
Mandevilla laxa (Chilean Jasmine) is susceptible to the same pests as other Mandevilla species, with spider mites the primary concern in hot, dry summers. MSU Extension specifically lists M. laxa as especially prone to spider mite infestation. Aphids appear on new growth in spring; mealybugs colonise sheltered stem junctions. Good watering practice and air circulation reduce risk significantly.
How do I get rid of spider mites on chilean jasmine?
Tiny yellow dots covering leaf surfaces, fine webbing below; rapid leaf bronzing and drop in hot dry weather Water consistently; hose foliage in the morning; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to all surfaces weekly
How do I get rid of aphids on chilean jasmine?
Soft-bodied insects on tender new shoots and flower buds; curled, sticky, distorted growth Knock off with strong water jet; neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; repeat until infestation clears
How do I get rid of mealybugs on chilean jasmine?
White waxy clusters at stem crotches and leaf axils; honeydew, stunted growth Remove by hand or with alcohol swab; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly