Pest identification
What's eating my crimson cestrum?
Aphids
Signs: Dense clusters on new growth and bud clusters; sticky honeydew, leaf curl, and reduced bloom vigour.
Control: Knock off with water; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators such as ladybugs.
Whiteflies
Signs: Tiny white insects on leaf undersides; yellowing foliage and sooty mold from honeydew deposits.
Control: Deploy yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil targeting undersides of leaves.
Spider mites
Signs: Yellow stippling and fine webbing on leaves, especially in hot, dry spells; foliage may drop prematurely.
Control: Increase humidity around plant; apply neem oil or miticide to leaf undersides; avoid drought stress.
Keep crimson cestrum pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Crimson Cestrum pests — FAQ
What is eating my crimson cestrum?
Crimson Cestrum (Cestrum elegans) is relatively hardy, but aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites are the pests most likely to take hold. Aphids are the most frequent problem, colonising tender new shoots. Good air circulation reduces risk; insecticidal soap or neem oil resolves most outbreaks before they become serious.
How do I get rid of aphids on crimson cestrum?
Dense clusters on new growth and bud clusters; sticky honeydew, leaf curl, and reduced bloom vigour. Knock off with water; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators such as ladybugs.
How do I get rid of whiteflies on crimson cestrum?
Tiny white insects on leaf undersides; yellowing foliage and sooty mold from honeydew deposits. Deploy yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil targeting undersides of leaves.
How do I get rid of spider mites on crimson cestrum?
Yellow stippling and fine webbing on leaves, especially in hot, dry spells; foliage may drop prematurely. Increase humidity around plant; apply neem oil or miticide to leaf undersides; avoid drought stress.