How can I fight a mite on indoor plants at home using folk remedies? - briefly
Treat infested foliage with a spray of diluted neem oil or mild liquid soap, applying thoroughly to both sides of the leaves every 5‑7 days and removing heavily affected plants from the collection. Supplement this with periodic leaf dusting using a soft brush or a weak garlic‑hot‑water rinse to disrupt mite colonies.
How can I fight a mite on indoor plants at home using folk remedies? - in detail
Mite infestations on houseplants can be suppressed with readily available household preparations. Begin by isolating the affected specimen to prevent spread to neighboring foliage.
A first‑line treatment employs a dilute neem‑oil solution. Mix 1 ml of cold‑pressed neem oil with 1 ml of mild liquid soap in 1 liter of water. Spray the foliage until droplets run off, covering undersides where mites congregate. Repeat every five days for three applications, then weekly for a month.
An alternative uses insecticidal soap. Dissolve 2 teaspoons of pure castile soap in 1 liter of water, add a few drops of horticultural oil to improve spread, and apply similarly. Observe for leaf scorch; discontinue if damage appears.
Garlic‑pepper spray offers a botanical option. Blend two cloves of peeled garlic, half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and a cup of warm water. Strain, add a teaspoon of liquid soap, and dilute to one liter. Apply twice weekly, avoiding direct sunlight to reduce phytotoxicity.
Alcohol‑based spray can eradicate mobile stages. Combine 70 % isopropyl alcohol with water at a 1:4 ratio, add a drop of dish‑washing liquid, and mist leaves. Limit exposure to ten seconds before rinsing with plain water to prevent desiccation.
Milk spray provides a mild fungicidal effect that also deters mites. Mix equal parts skimmed milk and water, filter, and spray in the evening. Repeat every seven days.
Diatomaceous earth, a fine silica powder, may be dusted onto soil surfaces and leaf undersides. Use food‑grade material, apply a thin layer, and reapply after watering.
Essential‑oil blends act as repellents. Combine 5 ml of peppermint oil, 5 ml of rosemary oil, and 5 ml of clove oil in 1 liter of water with a teaspoon of emulsifier (e.g., soap). Spray thoroughly, reapplying every ten days.
Supplementary measures reinforce chemical actions: prune heavily infested leaves, discard them in sealed bags, and clean pot rims with a cotton swab dipped in the chosen solution. Increase ambient humidity to 60 %–70 % using a tray of water or a humidifier, as dry air accelerates mite reproduction.
Maintain a monitoring schedule. Examine leaf undersides with a magnifying lens weekly; discontinue treatments when mite activity ceases for two consecutive inspections. Store all prepared solutions in dark bottles, label with concentration and date, and discard after four weeks.