I’m A Newbie To Gardening And Trying To Diagnose And Save My Murraya Jasmine. Please Help!

Question

I bought this Jasmine about 7 weeks ago and attempted to repot it with a mixture of potting soil, perlite, and some sand (per the advise at the garden center). The plant seemed okay for awhile, then just seemed to go down hill for about the last 4 weeks. After some conversation with the plant people at our plant shops in the port (we live in Abu Dhabi), I was told adding sand to the soil was bad advise given from the nursery where I actually bought the plant. So, I replanted this past weekend with just potting soil and perlite. I watered deeply after replanting and began pruning off what appeared to be dead or dying parts in order to help the plant not waste resources in those areas (at least that’s my logic). Within the last 48 hours, these spots/spot patterns have shown up on the leaves and the leaves are dying, falling left and right. As mentioned above, I’m very new to gardening and have been reading everything I can from soil ph to micronutrients to over/underwatering, etc. It seems no matter what I have tried over these last few weeks, this poor little plant seems to be getting worse, not better. I’ve read a lot on this site and learned much here; this is probably why my Bougainvillea and Mandevilla are doing so well. The Jasmine does have very small, new growth coming in, but they are not as green and I want to know how to help it so the new leaves don’t share the same fate as these older established ones. Thank you any and all for insights, diagnosis, and potential treatments I can try.

Answer 1

I'm seeing the signs of spider mites, or other pests that pierce leaves. This can become a large problem if left unchecked.

A plant under stress will succumb to insect damage more so than a healthy one. Lots of disturbance to the roots can make the issue worse.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spider-mite-treatment.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spider-mite-control.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/orange-jasmine/orange-jasmine-care.htm

Answer 2

Thank you @BushDoctor for your feedback! I haven't seen any insects on the plants and even in looking for them, trying "the paper test," etc., I still didn't see any. However, certainly doesn't mean they are not there, so it never really crossed my radar. I'll see if I can find some Neem oil or another product to treat the plant. Additionally, I appreciate the other articles and will look those over to care for my plant, once it (fingers crossed) recovers.