Pest identification
What's eating my narrow-petal frangipani?
Frangipani caterpillar (Pseudosphinx tetrio)
Signs: Complete defoliation in severe cases; large, colorful larvae visible on bare branches.
Control: Hand-pick larvae; apply Bt spray targeting young caterpillars; prune heavily infested terminals.
Mealybugs
Signs: Waxy white clusters in stem axils; stunted growth; honeydew and sooty mold.
Control: Alcohol-swab removal; neem oil spray; systemic insecticide (e.g., imidacloprid) for persistent infestations.
Scale insects
Signs: Shell-like bumps on woody stems; sap loss causes yellowing and branch dieback.
Control: Scrub off with soft brush and horticultural oil; repeat application fortnightly until resolved.
Keep narrow-petal frangipani pest-free
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Narrow-petal Frangipani pests — FAQ
What is eating my narrow-petal frangipani?
Narrow-petal Frangipani (Plumeria stenopetala) shares the typical frangipani pest profile. The frangipani caterpillar is the most destructive rapid defoliator. Mealybugs and scale insects are persistent stem pests, especially in humid tropical conditions. Monitoring branch crevices regularly is key, as infestations build quickly in warm weather.
How do I get rid of frangipani caterpillar (pseudosphinx tetrio) on narrow-petal frangipani?
Complete defoliation in severe cases; large, colorful larvae visible on bare branches. Hand-pick larvae; apply Bt spray targeting young caterpillars; prune heavily infested terminals.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on narrow-petal frangipani?
Waxy white clusters in stem axils; stunted growth; honeydew and sooty mold. Alcohol-swab removal; neem oil spray; systemic insecticide (e.g., imidacloprid) for persistent infestations.
How do I get rid of scale insects on narrow-petal frangipani?
Shell-like bumps on woody stems; sap loss causes yellowing and branch dieback. Scrub off with soft brush and horticultural oil; repeat application fortnightly until resolved.