How should a ficus be treated for spider mites? - briefly
Isolate the ficus, wash the leaves with a strong stream of water, then treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5‑7 days until mites are gone, and maintain high humidity to prevent reinfestation.
How should a ficus be treated for spider mites? - in detail
Spider mites appear as tiny specks on foliage, leaving stippled, yellowed patches and fine webbing. Infested ficus plants show reduced vigor and leaf drop.
- Isolate the affected specimen to prevent spread.
- Wash leaves with a strong jet of water, targeting the undersides where mites congregate.
- Remove heavily damaged leaves and discard them away from healthy plants.
Chemical control options require precise application:
- Insecticidal soap: dilute according to label (typically 2–5 ml per litre of water). Spray until runoff, covering both sides of each leaf. Repeat every 5–7 days until no mites are observed.
- Neem oil: mix 1 tsp (≈5 ml) of cold‑pressed oil with 1 tsp of mild liquid soap per litre of water. Apply in early morning or late evening, avoiding direct sunlight. Reapply weekly for three to four applications.
- Miticides (e.g., abamectin, spiromesifen): follow manufacturer dosage. Use only when soap and oil fail, as resistance can develop. Rotate products with different modes of action.
Environmental adjustments suppress mite reproduction:
- Increase ambient humidity to 50–70 % by misting foliage or using a humidifier.
- Maintain temperature between 65–75 °F (18–24 °C); extreme heat accelerates mite life cycles.
- Ensure good air circulation with a fan set on low speed, reducing leaf microclimates favorable to mites.
Monitoring and prevention:
- Inspect all indoor and outdoor ficus plants weekly, focusing on leaf undersides.
- Clean pots, trays, and surrounding surfaces with a dilute bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite) monthly.
- Quarantine new acquisitions for at least two weeks, treating any signs of infestation before integration.
Consistent execution of these steps eliminates current infestations and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.