How can you treat a begonia for spider mites? - briefly
Remove heavily infested leaves, rinse the plant with a strong spray of water, and treat the remaining foliage with insecticidal soap or neem oil diluted as directed. Repeat the application every 5–7 days and maintain low humidity to prevent re‑infestation.
How can you treat a begonia for spider mites? - in detail
Spider mites rapidly colonize begonia foliage, causing stippling, yellowing, and leaf drop. Immediate action prevents population explosion and preserves plant health.
Identify the infestation by examining the undersides of leaves for tiny moving specks and fine webbing. Use a hand lens if necessary to confirm presence.
Cultural measures
- Isolate affected plants from healthy specimens.
- Increase ambient humidity by misting or placing a tray of water nearby; mites thrive in dry conditions.
- Prune heavily damaged leaves, discarding them away from the growing area.
Chemical and biological controls
- Apply a neem oil solution (2 ml per liter of water) to both leaf surfaces, repeating every 5–7 days until mites disappear.
- Use insecticidal soap (1 %–2 % fatty acid concentration) similarly, ensuring thorough coverage of leaf undersides.
- Introduce predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus; release rates of 10–20 predators per plant are effective for moderate infestations.
Synthetic options
- For severe cases, a miticide containing abamectin or bifenthrin may be employed according to label instructions. Limit applications to prevent resistance and avoid phytotoxicity.
After each treatment, monitor the plant daily for mite activity and reapply the chosen method if signs persist. Maintain regular watering, adequate light, and consistent humidity to create an environment unfavorable to spider mites.