How can spider mites on indoor plants be fought and what means should be used? - briefly
Regularly wash plant leaves with a dilute insecticidal soap or horticultural oil and, when possible, release predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis to suppress populations. For heavy infestations, apply an approved miticide (e.g., abamectin or neem‑based product) following label instructions.
How can spider mites on indoor plants be fought and what means should be used? - in detail
Spider mites represent a common pest on indoor foliage, causing stippling, yellowing and reduced photosynthetic capacity. Early detection relies on visual inspection of the undersides of leaves, where tiny moving dots become evident under magnification.
Maintaining an unfavorable environment for the mite includes several cultural actions. Increase ambient humidity to ≥ 60 % by misting plants or using a humidifier; high humidity disrupts mite reproduction. Regularly rinse leaves with a fine water spray to dislodge crawling stages. Remove heavily infested foliage and isolate new acquisitions for at least two weeks before introduction to the collection.
Mechanical interventions provide immediate reduction of populations. • Apply a strong jet of water to leaf surfaces, repeating every 2–3 days until infestation subsides. • Wipe leaf undersides with a soft cloth dampened with water or a mild soap solution. • Position yellow sticky traps near the canopy to capture wandering adults and monitor infestation intensity.
Chemical options consist of horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps and synthetic miticides. • Horticultural oil, applied at 1–2 % concentration, suffocates mites and their eggs; coverage must include leaf undersides. • Insecticidal soap, diluted according to label instructions, penetrates the mite’s cuticle, causing desiccation; repeat applications at 5‑day intervals prevent resurgence. • Synthetic miticides, reserved for severe outbreaks, require strict adherence to dosage, rotation of active ingredients and observation of plant tolerance.
Biological control agents augment integrated management. Release predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus at 10–20 individuals per cm² of leaf area; these predators consume all life stages of the target pest. Ensure that temperature remains within 20‑30 °C and that pesticide residues are absent, as they can impair predator efficacy.
Continuous monitoring guarantees long‑term success. Inspect plants weekly, record trap catches and adjust humidity or treatment frequency accordingly. Preventive measures—quarantining new plants, maintaining clean growing media and avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization—reduce the likelihood of re‑infestation.