Allamanda New Growth Curling: Thrips, Not Fungus—Oil Spray Fix

Established allamanda in Central Florida, 4–5 years, suddenly new growth curling like corkscrews, smaller leaves. No care changes. Flowers present.

Diagnosis: Thrips

Tiny insects rasping tender new leaves → curling, stunting. Not fungus.

Treatment

1. Spray horticultural oil (Ultra-Fine, Neem, or soluble oil) late afternoon.
2. Next morning: hose off oil + dead thrips.
3. Repeat next afternoon. Two rounds breaks cycle.

Why Oil?

Suffocates soft-bodied thrips. No resistance. Safe once dry. Apply cool part of day to avoid leaf burn.