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How to treat Madagascar Jasmine losing leaves?

Hi Team,

I have a Madagascar Jasmine plant in pot for 4 years. It flowered vigorously in last spring and was very healthy. It had some mealybug attacks and sunburns but survived well with care and Neem oil application. But recently Its loosing a lot of leaves and with infestation of a black layer on leaves and mealybugs. I am applying Neem oil every week. But it does not look happy. I have a soil meter, which indicates it's moisture level is right. But I guess the Neem oil is not working. Please advise what should I do for the plant.

Thank you for your assistance.

Nabila

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Comments

MitchellMc

Hi @Nabila,

It sounds like you’re doing a great job keeping an eye on your Madagascar Jasmine. From your description, the black layer on the leaves sounds like it could be sooty mould, which often develops when pests like mealybugs leave behind a sugary residue (honeydew) that mould then grows on.

Neem oil can help with controlling the mealybugs over time, but if the infestation is heavy, you might need to try a few extra steps. It would be really helpful if you could share some photos with us, especially of the blackened leaves and where the mealybugs are most active — that way we can give more targeted advice.

In the meantime, you might want to physically remove as much of the mould and bugs as possible by gently wiping the leaves with a damp cloth.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Nabila

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/51591#Comment_51591

Hi @MitchellMc ,

Thank you for your response.

I actually wiped off all leaves before I post this and it was raining all day. So I waited to get some photos this morning (attached). The plant loosing a lot of leaves. It was a gift from my husband. I applied Neem oil again this morning.

I appreciate your help. Thank you.

Nabila

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/87975#Comment_87975

Hi @Nabila,

If the mealybugs, which secrete honeydew that causes the sooty mould, are dealt with, then the sooty mould should stop growing.

At this point, the best thing to do is what you've already done: wipe the mould off the leaves, apply neem oil weekly and repeat as necessary.

Once the mealybugs are dealt with, then the sooty mould should stop, and the plant should recover.

Keep on monitoring the plant and update us if anything changes.

Jacob

Nabila

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/109598#Comment_109598

Thank you @JacobZ

Nabila

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/122157#Comment_122157

Hi Team,

I posted couple of times about the same problem that my Madagascar jasmine is struggling with mealy bugs, black moulds all over and loosing leaves. With all the recommendations I kept using the Neem oil all these times. Repotted, wiped off the leaves. Fertilized. Keep applying neem oil. But it didn't work. I can clearly see my loving jasmine is dying. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Nabila

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/130354#Comment_130354

Hi @Nabila,

I'm sorry to hear your Madagascar Jasmine is still experiencing issues. It can be disheartening when a beloved plant doesn’t bounce back as expected.

I've combined your post with your older one so that our readers can see the context and ongoing issues with your plant.

The yellowing leaves with green veins that you're now seeing are classic signs of a condition called chlorosis, most often caused by an iron deficiency.

Chlorosis can occur for a couple of reasons. It might be due to a simple lack of available nutrients in the soil, particularly iron. But more commonly, it’s caused by the plant being unable to absorb the iron that's already present, which usually points to an issue with soil pH. If the pH is too high (alkaline), it can lock up nutrients, making them inaccessible to the plant's roots even if they are technically present.

To help your jasmine recover, I’d suggest testing the soil pH with a soil pH test kit.

Madagascar Jasmine prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ideally in the range of 6.0 to 6.5. If it’s above 7.0, applying a soil acidifier such as this Liquid Sulfur will help reduce the pH. If it is below 6.0, then adding garden lime will help increase the pH. Getting this pH balance right is our first step towards improving your plant's health.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

Nabila

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/135272#Comment_135272

HI @JacobZ and team,

I have tested the soil. It's above 7 on my soil meter. I am buying the liquid sulfur. Hope it works. I will update you guys.

Thanks.

Nabila

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138560#Comment_138560

Fingers crossed @Nabila.

Please update us on how things go, and if you need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out.

Jacob

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