How can houseplants be saved from spider mites? - briefly
Remove heavily infested leaves and treat the plant with a neem‑oil or insecticidal‑soap spray applied every 5–7 days until mites are gone, while maintaining high humidity and good air circulation. Isolate the plant from others and rinse foliage regularly to prevent re‑infestation.
How can houseplants be saved from spider mites? - in detail
Spider mites infest indoor foliage when conditions become warm and dry, allowing rapid population growth. Early detection relies on inspecting the undersides of leaves for tiny moving specks, fine webbing, or stippled discoloration. If an infestation is confirmed, isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to nearby specimens.
Immediate actions
- Rinse the plant with a strong jet of lukewarm water, directing the spray onto both leaf surfaces to dislodge mites and their webs.
- Wipe each leaf with a soft cloth dampened in a mild soap solution (1 teaspoon liquid dish soap per quart of water) to increase mortality.
- Repeat the washing every 2–3 days for two weeks, as newly hatched mites emerge from eggs.
Cultural controls
- Raise ambient humidity to 50‑60 % by misting regularly or using a humidifier; high moisture interferes with mite reproduction.
- Maintain temperatures between 65‑75 °F (18‑24 °C); avoid heat spikes that accelerate life cycles.
- Prune heavily infested stems, discarding them in sealed bags to remove breeding sites.
Biological options
- Introduce predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus according to label rates; these natural enemies consume spider mites and suppress outbreaks.
- Apply neem oil (5 ml per liter of water) as a foliar spray, ensuring thorough coverage; neem disrupts feeding and egg laying.
Chemical remedies
- Use a miticide containing abamectin or spinosad for severe cases, following manufacturer instructions to avoid phytotoxicity.
- Rotate active ingredients every 10‑14 days to prevent resistance development.
Preventive measures
- Quarantine new plants for at least two weeks, inspecting them before integration.
- Keep soil surface free of dust, which can harbor mites.
- Avoid excessive fertilizer, especially high‑nitrogen formulas, which promote tender growth favored by pests.
Consistent monitoring, combined with physical removal, environmental adjustments, and, when necessary, biological or chemical interventions, ensures the long‑term health of indoor greenery and eliminates spider mite threats.