How is an orchid treated for red mite? - briefly
Apply a miticide—neem oil, horticultural oil, or a labeled spider‑mite spray—to thoroughly coat leaves, stems, and roots, repeating the treatment every 5–7 days until the population is eliminated. Keep humidity low and improve air flow to discourage reinfestation.
How is an orchid treated for red mite? - in detail
Treating an orchid that is suffering from red spider mite infestation requires a systematic approach to eliminate the pests and prevent recurrence.
First, isolate the affected plant from other specimens to stop the spread of mites. Inspect the foliage closely, especially the undersides of leaves, for tiny reddish specks and fine webbing. Use a magnifying glass if necessary to confirm the presence of the pests.
Second, clean the plant physically. Rinse the leaves with a gentle stream of lukewarm water, allowing the water to run over both surfaces. For stubborn colonies, wipe each leaf with a soft cloth dampened with water or a mild soap solution (1 teaspoon liquid dish soap per liter of water). Rinse again to remove any soap residue.
Third, apply a targeted miticide. Options include:
- Neem oil – mix 2 ml of cold‑pressed neem oil with 1 liter of water and a few drops of surfactant; spray until runoff, covering all leaf surfaces. Repeat every 7 days for three applications.
- Insecticidal soap – use a commercially prepared formula or a homemade mixture (1 teaspoon mild liquid soap per liter of water). Apply in the early morning or late afternoon, ensuring thorough coverage. Reapply every 5–7 days until no mites are observed.
- Horticultural oil – dilute according to label instructions (typically 1–2 ml per liter). Apply as a fine mist, avoiding excess that could suffocate the plant. Repeat at 10‑day intervals if necessary.
Fourth, adjust cultural conditions to make the environment less favorable for mite development. Increase ambient humidity to 60–70 % by misting the orchid daily or using a humidity tray. Maintain moderate temperatures (20–25 °C) and provide good air circulation with a fan set on low speed, ensuring airflow does not directly blast the leaves.
Fifth, monitor the orchid regularly. Inspect the plant every 2–3 days for signs of remaining mites or new webbing. Continue treatments until at least two consecutive inspections show no evidence of infestation.
Finally, implement preventative measures. Quarantine new acquisitions for a minimum of two weeks, inspecting them thoroughly before introducing them to the collection. Apply a light preventative spray of neem oil or horticultural oil every 4–6 weeks during the growing season to deter future mite incursions.
By following these steps—isolation, mechanical cleaning, appropriate chemical control, environmental modification, diligent monitoring, and preventive protocols—orchids can be effectively rescued from red spider mite damage and maintained in healthy condition.