How can African violets be treated for mites at home? - briefly
Apply a mild insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil to all foliage, repeating the spray every 5–7 days until mites are gone, and isolate the plant to limit spread. Remove heavily infested leaves and maintain lower humidity to discourage further infestation.
How can African violets be treated for mites at home? - in detail
African violets are prone to spider mite attacks, which appear as tiny specks on leaves and cause stippling, yellowing, and webbing. Early detection prevents rapid spread. Inspect plants weekly, especially the undersides of leaves, using a magnifying lens if needed.
Immediate actions
- Isolate the affected specimen from healthy plants.
- Rinse foliage with lukewarm water for several minutes, directing the spray at leaf margins and veins.
- Gently wipe each leaf with a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in water to remove visible mites and webs.
Cultural controls
- Increase ambient humidity to 50‑70 % by misting daily or placing a humidifier nearby; mites thrive in dry conditions.
- Reduce temperature fluctuations; maintain 65‑75 °F (18‑24 °C) with consistent lighting.
- Avoid over‑fertilizing, particularly with high nitrogen, which promotes soft growth favored by mites.
Biological remedies
- Apply a dilute solution of neem oil (1 ml per 1 L water) to the entire plant, covering both surfaces. Repeat every 5‑7 days until no mites are observed.
- Introduce predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis) according to manufacturer instructions; release onto the plant and monitor population balance.
- Use insecticidal soap (2 % potassium salts of fatty acids) sprayed thoroughly, ensuring runoff. Reapply every 3‑4 days during the infestation cycle.
Chemical options for severe cases
- Employ a horticultural oil (e.g., horticultural mineral oil) at 1‑2 % concentration, applied with a fine mist. Allow 24 hours between applications to avoid phytotoxicity.
- If necessary, a miticide containing abamectin may be used at the lowest effective rate; follow label dosage and observe a 7‑day withdrawal period before re‑flowering.
Preventive maintenance
- Clean pots and trays regularly to eliminate dust that shelters mites.
- Rotate plants weekly to ensure even exposure to light and airflow.
- Inspect new acquisitions before introducing them to existing collections.
By combining thorough washing, humidity management, targeted organic sprays, and, when required, low‑toxicity oils or miticides, growers can eradicate mite infestations on African violets without resorting to professional services. Continuous monitoring and preventive cultural practices sustain plant health and minimize recurrence.