How can spider mites be controlled on a rubber‑plant ficus? - briefly
Regularly wash the leaves with a strong stream of water, then treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil at weekly intervals until mite numbers drop. Maintain humidity above 60 % and prune heavily infested foliage to reduce future outbreaks.
How can spider mites be controlled on a rubber‑plant ficus? - in detail
Spider mites thrive on rubber‑plant foliage when humidity is low and temperatures exceed 25 °C. Effective management requires an integrated approach that combines cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical tactics.
Maintain optimal growing conditions. Increase ambient humidity to 50–60 % by misting leaves or using a humidifier. Avoid overhead watering that leaves water on the leaf surface for extended periods, as this encourages mite proliferation. Remove heavily infested leaves promptly to reduce population density.
Mechanical removal can be achieved by wiping each leaf with a soft, damp cloth or sponge. A strong jet of water applied to the underside of leaves dislodges mites and their eggs. Repeat this treatment weekly during the active season.
Biological agents provide long‑term suppression. Introduce predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus at a rate of 5–10 predators per square foot. Ensure the environment remains pesticide‑free to allow predator establishment. Fungal biocontrol products containing Beauveria bassiana can be sprayed according to label instructions, targeting both adult mites and developing stages.
Chemical controls are reserved for severe outbreaks. Select miticides with low toxicity to beneficial insects, for example, neem oil (5 % EM) or horticultural oil (2–3 % v/v). Apply in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent leaf scorch, covering both upper and lower leaf surfaces. Rotate active ingredients every 7–10 days to avoid resistance development.
Monitor populations regularly using a hand lens or sticky traps placed on the plant’s stem. Record mite counts and adjust control measures based on threshold levels (e.g., 5 mites per leaf). Consistent observation enables timely intervention and minimizes damage to the rubber‑plant foliage.