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Mandevilla · Mandevilla sanderi

Why are there bugs on my Brazilian jasmine?

Seeing pests on your Mandevilla is frustrating, but it is a common issue when the air gets too dry. Check the undersides of the leaves and the leaf joints first to identify what you are dealing with.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves for webbing or white fluff.
  2. Check the leaf axils where the stems meet the main vine.
  3. Feel the soil to see if it has been too dry for too long.

Likely causes

  1. Spider mites

    Most likely

    How 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.

  2. Mealybugs

    Possible

    How 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.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your mandevilla

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.

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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.

Mandevilla: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mandevilla 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.

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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.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Mandevilla

Back to the Mandevilla 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.