What's eating my mandevilla 'sun parasol crimson'?

Mandevilla 'Sun Parasol Crimson' is a tropical climber most troubled by spider mites and whitefly, especially when grown under glass or on a warm patio. Mealybugs shelter in leaf axils, and aphids attack tender shoot tips in spring. Good air circulation and regular inspection are the first line of defence.

Yellow stippling on upper leaf surface; webbing across undersides; leaves curl and drop rapidly in hot, dry conditions under glass Raise humidity, mist foliage regularly; release Phytoseiulus persimilis; spray with neem oil or a registered miticide in severe cases

White adults flutter from disturbed foliage; nymphs feed on undersides causing yellowing; honeydew leads to sooty mould Use yellow sticky traps to monitor; introduce Encarsia formosa parasitoid; spray undersides with insecticidal soap every 4–5 days

White waxy fluff in leaf axils and stem joints; heavy infestations cause stunted, distorted growth and sticky honeydew deposits Dab individual colonies with a cotton swab dipped in 70% rubbing alcohol; spray with neem oil or introduce Cryptolaemus montrouzieri predator

Clusters on tender shoot tips and flower buds cause distorted growth and bud drop; sooty mould follows honeydew deposits Pinch off heavily infested tips; blast off with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; attract hoverflies with companion planting