How can I remove spider mite from indoor flowers at home using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply a spray of diluted neem oil or a mixture of water and a few drops of mild dish soap, ensuring thorough coverage of all leaf surfaces. You may also wipe foliage with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or raise humidity by frequent misting to suppress the mites.
How can I remove spider mite from indoor flowers at home using folk remedies? - in detail
Spider mites thrive on the undersides of leaves, where they feed and reproduce rapidly. Begin by isolating the affected plant to prevent spread to neighboring specimens. Remove visible webs with a soft brush or a damp cloth, taking care not to damage foliage.
Effective household treatments
- Mild soap solution – dissolve 1–2 teaspoons of liquid castile or dish soap in one litre of lukewarm water. Spray the mixture until runoff covers both leaf surfaces. Repeat every five days for two weeks.
- Neem oil – mix 1 teaspoon of cold‑pressed neem oil with 1 teaspoon of mild soap in one litre of water. Apply the spray in the early morning or late afternoon; reapply weekly until no new mites appear.
- Alcohol rinse – combine 1 part isopropyl alcohol (70 %) with 3 parts water. Lightly mist leaves, avoiding prolonged exposure that may scorch delicate tissue. Use once every three days.
- Garlic infusion – crush three cloves of garlic, steep in 500 ml of warm water for 24 hours, strain, then dilute with an equal volume of water. Spray thoroughly; repeat every four days.
- Chili pepper spray – blend one fresh hot pepper with 250 ml of water, strain, and add a few drops of liquid soap for adhesion. Apply to foliage; reapply every five days.
Application guidelines
- Test any preparation on a single leaf for 24 hours to detect phytotoxic reactions.
- Ensure leaves are completely wet, especially the lower surface where mites reside.
- Maintain humidity around 60 % and avoid excessive heat, which accelerates mite reproduction.
- After each treatment, wipe excess liquid from the pot rim to prevent buildup.
Preventive measures
- Clean pots and trays with a 10 % bleach solution before repotting.
- Vacuum the growing area weekly to remove fallen leaves and debris.
- Introduce natural predators such as Phytoseiulus persimilis if chemical-free control proves insufficient.
- Rotate plants away from direct sunlight for a short period after spraying to reduce leaf burn.
By following these steps and monitoring plants closely, spider mite infestations can be suppressed without resorting to synthetic pesticides.