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Frangipani · Plumeria

Why are there bugs on my Plumeria?

Seeing tiny critters on your Plumeria is frustrating, but it happens often. Check the undersides of your leaves and the stem joints for signs of infestation.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

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.
  2. Look for white cottony clusters in stem joints.
  3. Check if the leaves look stippled or pale.

Likely causes

  1. Spider Mites

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see fine webbing between leaves and tiny yellow dots on the foliage. These pests thrive in dry, hot conditions.

    What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the webs. Spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Mealybugs

    Most likely

    How to tell: Look for white, cottony masses hiding in the crevices of the stems. They suck the sap and leave behind a sticky residue.

    What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the bugs. For larger infestations, spray the entire plant with insecticidal soap.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your frangipani

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

Treat the plant as soon as you see the first sign of pests. If the leaves start turning yellow and falling off, the infestation is severe.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with proper light and humidity. Regularly wipe down leaves to keep them dust free.

Frangipani: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your frangipani 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 use dish soap to kill the bugs?
Yes, a mild solution of water and a few drops of gentle dish soap can work. Just make sure to rinse the leaves afterward.
Will these bugs kill my Plumeria?
If left untreated for a long time, they can weaken the plant significantly. Early intervention keeps your Plumeria safe.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Frangipani

Back to the Frangipani 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.