Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Inspect the undersides of leaves for webbing or white fluff.
- Check the leaf axils where the stems meet the main vine.
- Feel the soil to see if it has been too dry for too long.
Likely causes
Spider mites
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see tiny yellow dots on the leaves and fine webbing between the stems. These pests love hot and dry environments.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the webs. Spray the plant thoroughly with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until the mites are gone.
Mealybugs
PossibleHow to tell: Look for small white cottony masses tucked into the leaf axils or along the stems. They move slowly and suck the sap from your plant.
What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the white masses to kill them. Follow up with a gentle insecticidal soap spray once a week for 3 weeks.
When to worry
Worry if the leaves start turning yellow or dropping rapidly. A few bugs are manageable, but a full infestation can weaken the plant quickly.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the humidity around your plant higher by misting it occasionally or grouping it with other plants. Check your plant weekly for early signs of pests.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your mandevilla.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I just wash the bugs off with water?
- Yes, a strong spray of water can knock off many pests, but it rarely kills the eggs. You should follow up with a treatment like neem oil to ensure they do not return.
- Will these pests spread to my other plants?
- Absolutely. Pests like spider mites and mealybugs travel easily between plants. Isolate your Brazilian jasmine immediately until it is completely pest free.
More problems with Mandevilla
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.