How do you fight flower mites on indoor plants? - briefly
Remove affected foliage, wash the plant with a strong jet of water, then treat remaining leaves with a solution of insecticidal soap or neem oil, repeating every 5–7 days until mites disappear. Keep humidity high and avoid overcrowding to prevent reinfestation.
How do you fight flower mites on indoor plants? - in detail
Flower mites, commonly known as spider mites, infest indoor foliage by feeding on sap and reproducing rapidly under dry, warm conditions. Effective control requires a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical measures.
First, reduce environmental factors that favor mite development. Keep humidity above 60 % by misting leaves or using a humidifier, and avoid temperatures exceeding 30 °C. Remove excess plant debris and prune heavily infested sections, discarding them away from other vegetation.
Second, employ direct removal techniques. Wash foliage with a steady stream of lukewarm water, ensuring thorough coverage of the undersides where mites congregate. For delicate plants, dip leaves in a shallow tray of water mixed with a few drops of mild dish soap, then rinse. Repeating this process every 2–3 days for two weeks interrupts the life cycle.
Third, apply targeted treatments. Inorganic options include neem oil, horticultural oil, or insecticidal soap, applied according to label directions, covering both upper and lower leaf surfaces. Organic alternatives such as predatory mite species (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis) can be released onto the plant; they consume spider mites and reproduce quickly in suitable conditions. When using chemical acaricides, select products labeled for indoor use, rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance, and observe safety precautions.
Fourth, monitor progress. Inspect plants daily with a magnifying lens; look for moving specks and webbing. Record observations and adjust treatment frequency accordingly. Persistent infestations may require a combination of the above methods over several weeks.
Finally, maintain preventive practices. Quarantine new acquisitions for at least two weeks, inspect them before introducing to existing collections, and keep the growing area clean. Regularly increase humidity, provide adequate airflow, and schedule routine leaf cleaning to deter future mite outbreaks.