Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny moving insects.
- Look for sticky honeydew on the foliage.
- Check stems for hard brown bumps that do not rub off easily.
Likely causes
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the tender new growth. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Scale
PossibleHow to tell: These look like small brown or tan bumps attached firmly to the stems or leaf undersides. They do not move and look like part of the plant.
What to do: Scrape them off gently with a soft toothbrush or fingernail. Wipe the affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Find out what's wrong with your common jasmine
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Worry if the leaves start curling or turning yellow from the stress. A few bugs are manageable, but a full infestation can weaken the plant.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your jasmine healthy with proper light and water to help it resist attacks. Check the plant weekly during the growing season.
Common jasmine: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common jasmine and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Will these bugs kill my jasmine?
- Usually not, but they can stunt growth and cause leaf drop. Treat them early to keep your plant thriving.
- Can I use neem oil?
- Yes, neem oil is effective against both aphids and scale. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Common jasmine
- Why are my common jasmine leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my common jasmine not blooming?
- Why is my common jasmine drooping?
- Why is my common jasmine growing leggy?
- Why are my common jasmine leaves turning brown at the tips?
- Why is my Common Jasmine dropping its leaves?
- Why are there spots on my Common Jasmine leaves?
- How do I fix root rot in my Common Jasmine?
- Why are my common jasmine leaves curling?
Back to the Common jasmine guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.

