White starry flowers and shiny leaves give jasmine plants an exotic appeal. Plants can be grown either indoors or outdoors, and they are quite easy to care for. Jasmine plants have specific problems that should be identified. Despite the rewarding nature of growing jasmine plants, the plants are also vulnerable to pest infestations. Are your jasmine plants being attacked by pests?
Gardeners should recognize pests that might infest their jasmine plants and take precautions to avoid damage. Many strategies and treatments can be used by gardeners to keep jasmine plants healthy. Here are some practical solutions to common pests that attack jasmine plants. We will discuss identifying which pest is causing the damage, preventing further damage, and effective ways to get rid of them from your garden forever! It’s now time to reclaim our gardens; let’s begin by removing those annoying bugs!
Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects called aphids consume the sap of jasmine plants, squeezing the liquid out and causing the leaves to become deformed.
Scale insects: Insects, either gray, brown, black, or white, that feed on sap and are armored.
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are tiny, white insects that produce sticky honeydew while feeding on the sap of jasmine bushes.
Mealybugs: These microscopic pests, which feed on the sap from jasmine plant leaves, are actually arachnids rather than insects. On the leaves, they may result in webbing, stippling, and fading.
Natural insecticides provide a natural way to safeguard jasmine plants while following organic farming standards. The natural sources of organic insecticides include plants, minerals, and microorganisms. By using natural products to control diseases and pests without using artificial chemicals, they are safer for the environment, beneficial insects, and human health.
The oil obtained from the neem tree can be used as a natural remedy. This plant has fungicide, insecticide, and insect-repellent properties. Its active ingredients prevent aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites from growing and reproducing without harming bees or butterflies. It is also antifungal, which makes it effective against powdery mildew.
Use neem oil in a mixture of one tablespoon of oil, one teaspoon of liquid soap, and one quart of water. Apply the mixture to the foliage of your jasmine. As needed, apply the solution every two weeks.
Insecticidal soaps can also be used to control pests and diseases on jasmine. They cause an insect to dehydrate and die by disrupting its exoskeleton and damaging its outer layer. Chemicals derived from potassium salts of fatty acids are used to make insecticidal soaps. Aphids and whiteflies are typically controlled with this method.
Insecticidal soap can be made by mixing one tablespoon of liquid soap with one quart of water. Ensure the undersides of the leaves are coated with the mixture as you spray it on the jasmine foliage. You should spray plants to the point of drenching, but avoid using them on blossoms or when the temperature exceeds 80°F.
Plants are treated with horticultural oils, which are oil-based products similar to pesticides made from highly refined petroleum and vegetable oils, which are then filtered and distilled to protect them from mites and other harmful pests. These oils can be used to smother the eggs and larvae of insects and mites, causing them to die.
Mix one tablespoon of horticultural oil with one teaspoon of liquid soap and one quart of water. Spray the mixture onto the foliage of jasmine and repeat at 10-15 days intervals.
A garlic spray can be done by blending a few garlic cloves with water, straining, and diluting the mixture. Apply the solution directly to your plants’ foliage and stems to ward off insects like aphids and caterpillars. Apply it every few days for as long as you can.
The natural insecticide pyrethrin is made from chrysanthemum flowers, which are thought to have a wide range of applications for the treatment of pests, such as aphids, thrips, and caterpillars. As a result, when it comes in contact with insects, it disrupts their nervous systems, causing them to die.
Making pyrethrin extract at home is a difficult and technical task. I do recommend to get it commercially and use it following the instructions.
Prepare this by grating the rind of one lemon and adding it to a pint of boiling water that has just been turned off. When the mixture has steeped overnight, strain it through cheesecloth or a fine sieve. Apply the mixture to the leaves of jasmine plants on both their tops and bottoms using a sprayer bottom.
As any gardener with Asiatic jasmine vines knows, lerps are the worst. These tiny insects attach themselves to the underside of leaves and stems, sucking sap and secreting a white, waxy cover called a “lerp” to protect themselves. Not only are lerps unsightly, they can stunt plant growth and spread diseases. Luckily, I’ve got some tried-and-true methods to kick these freeloaders off your vines once and for all.
Let me start by explaining a bit more about what lerps are and the damage they cause. Lerps belong to a group of insects called psyllids. The species that plagues Asiatic jasmine is known as Acizzia jucunda, but we’ll just call them “lerps” for short. These tiny sap-sucking bugs insert their needle-like mouthparts into the plant to feed on juices within the leaves and stems. The sugars and nutrients they extract are needed for your plant’s growth and development. Left unchecked, lerps can cause yellowing distortion and stunting.
In addition to the direct feeding damage, lerps excrete a clear, sticky substance called “honeydew” You’ll often notice black sooty mold developing on the honeydew deposits This black fungus blocks sunlight from reaching the leaves, further inhibiting photosynthesis. Honeydew also attracts other unwanted critters like ants, wasps, and bees. Worst of all, lerps can spread dangerous plant diseases like grapevine yellows and tomato big bud phytoplasma to your prized jasmine vines and other plants. Clearly, lerps need to go!
Now that you know why lerps must be stopped, let’s get into how to get rid of them safely and organically. You’ll be glad to know you likely have the tools to tackle them in your pantry already!
Smother Lerps With Horticultural Oils
Horticultural oils are highly refined petroleum-based oils that smother soft-bodied insects like lerps on contact. The oil coats and clogs pores in the insect’s exoskeleton, leading to dehydration and death. Horticultural oils are formulated to not harm plants when used properly.
You can find these oils sold as ready-to-use products labeled as “horticultural oil” or “dormant oil” at most garden centers and hardware stores. Some popular brand names to look for include Bonide All Seasons Horticultural and Dormant Oil, Monterey Horticultural Oil, and Organic Laboratories Horticultural Oil.
Follow the product label directions carefully when applying horticultural oils. I recommend using a pump spray bottle to thoroughly coat the undersides of leaves and stems where lerps lurk. The best times to apply are early morning or evening when temperatures are between 40-90°F. Avoid spraying oil in direct sunlight or when pollinators are present. Oils must fully coat insects to be effective, so ensure thorough coverage of infested areas. Expect to make repeat applications every 7-14 days for full control.
An organic DIY option is to use supreme, neem, or canola oil diluted with water according to package directions. Though not as refined as commercial horticultural oils, these pantry staples can help smother lerps in a pinch. Stick to the 40-90°F temperature range and repeat applications to get all life stages.
Blast Lerps Away With Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soaps are another safe, organic choice for lerps. Like horticultural oils, soap solutions physically destroy soft-bodied insects through cellular disruption and desiccation. Insecticidal soap solutions actually penetrate the insect’s outer cuticle and disrupt cell membranes more rapidly than oil.
Purchase a ready-to-use insecticidal soap product to save mixing time. Safer® Brand Insect Killing Soap and Garden Safe Insecticidal Soap are two widely available options that work well. You can also easily make your own soap spray. Simply mix 2-3 tablespoons of liquid castile or olive oil soap per gallon of water. Shake periodically to combine.
Use your soap solution just like the horticultural oils, spraying undersides of foliage in early morning or evening. Avoid spraying open flowers as the soap solution may harm beneficial pollinators and other insects temporarily visiting your plants. Reapply every 5-7 days for two weeks to break the lerps life cycle. Adding a few drops of orange or clove oil helps the solution stick better.
Other Helpful Lerp Control Tips
Using horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps form the basis of any lerp control strategy. Here are a few other tips to give your Asiatic jasmine the upper hand against these sap-sucking villains:
-
Prune off heavily infested stems and dispose of (don’t compost) to quickly reduce lerps. This also stimulates new growth.
-
Use a strong stream of water to blast lerps off. Repeat frequently to disrupt them.
-
Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap before lerps get established to prevent buildup.
-
Release beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and predator mites which will feed on lerps.
-
Fertilize jasmine regularly to keep it actively growing so it can better withstand lerp damage.
-
Remove nearby weeds lerps and ants can hide in. Ants will protect lerps for their honeydew.
While lerps may seem like an impossible pest to overcome, have faith that consistent applications of horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps will eliminate them from your precious Asiatic jasmines. Don’t let these freeloading insects spoil the elegance of your vines. Implement my lerp-busting guidance this growing season and enjoy lush, healthy jasmine flowers again!
How Do Pests Damage Jasmine Plants?
If pests are not controlled, they can seriously harm jasmine plants. By eating on leaves, a variety of pests, including scale, mealybugs, and aphids, can damage foliage. This may cause yellow or discolored patches as well as chewed or twisted leaves. Additionally, plant galls may develop as a result of these pests. These growths on plants are unnatural and can be anything from little bumps to big, ugly masses.
Some sucking insects, like mites, can cause stippling, which is a sort of damage when the sap inside the leaves is eaten and leaves behind tiny patches or discolorations.
Diseases in Jasmine Flower Plant
Once you are sure that your jasmine plant is receiving the proper soil type, lighting, heat, nutrients, and moisture acquisition, you should look into other potential causes of jasmine plant problems. Because jasmine plants prefer warm, slightly humid climates, which are ideal for a variety of fungal diseases. These diseases include:
Natural insecticides provide a natural way to safeguard jasmine plants while following organic farming standards. The natural sources of organic insecticides include plants, minerals, and microorganisms. By using natural products to control diseases and pests without using artificial chemicals, they are safer for the environment, beneficial insects, and human health.
The oil obtained from the neem tree can be used as a natural remedy. This plant has fungicide, insecticide, and insect-repellent properties. Its active ingredients prevent aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites from growing and reproducing without harming bees or butterflies. It is also antifungal, which makes it effective against powdery mildew.
Use neem oil in a mixture of one tablespoon of oil, one teaspoon of liquid soap, and one quart of water. Apply the mixture to the foliage of your jasmine. As needed, apply the solution every two weeks.
Insecticidal soaps can also be used to control pests and diseases on jasmine. They cause an insect to dehydrate and die by disrupting its exoskeleton and damaging its outer layer. Chemicals derived from potassium salts of fatty acids are used to make insecticidal soaps. Aphids and whiteflies are typically controlled with this method.
Insecticidal soap can be made by mixing one tablespoon of liquid soap with one quart of water. Ensure the undersides of the leaves are coated with the mixture as you spray it on the jasmine foliage. You should spray plants to the point of drenching, but avoid using them on blossoms or when the temperature exceeds 80°F.
Plants are treated with horticultural oils, which are oil-based products similar to pesticides made from highly refined petroleum and vegetable oils, which are then filtered and distilled to protect them from mites and other harmful pests. These oils can be used to smother the eggs and larvae of insects and mites, causing them to die.
Mix one tablespoon of horticultural oil with one teaspoon of liquid soap and one quart of water. Spray the mixture onto the foliage of jasmine and repeat at 10-15 days intervals.
Garlic has natural insect-repellent properties, making it an effective organic pest deterrent.
A garlic spray can be done by blending a few garlic cloves with water, straining, and diluting the mixture. Apply the solution directly to your plants’ foliage and stems to ward off insects like aphids and caterpillars. Apply it every few days for as long as you can.
The natural insecticide pyrethrin is made from chrysanthemum flowers, which are thought to have a wide range of applications for the treatment of pests, such as aphids, thrips, and caterpillars. As a result, when it comes in contact with insects, it disrupts their nervous systems, causing them to die.
Making pyrethrin extract at home is a difficult and technical task. I do recommend to get it commercially and use it following the instructions.
Some soft-bodied insects, including aphids, are effectively killed by citrus sprays.
Prepare this by grating the rind of one lemon and adding it to a pint of boiling water that has just been turned off. When the mixture has steeped overnight, strain it through cheesecloth or a fine sieve. Apply the mixture to the leaves of jasmine plants on both their tops and bottoms using a sprayer bottom.
Remember, effective control of insects (naturally) requires application of the mixture directly to the insects.
How To Kill Weeds In Asiatic Jasmine
FAQ
How to eradicate Asiatic jasmine?
What are the cobwebs on my jasmine plant?
How to get rid of caterpillars on jasmine?