How should indoor plants be treated against mites? - briefly
Inspect foliage regularly and treat infestations with a suitable miticide such as neem oil or horticultural oil, applied at the manufacturer‑recommended concentration. Maintain moderate humidity and avoid excessive fertilization to reduce the likelihood of mite outbreaks.
How should indoor plants be treated against mites? - in detail
Mite infestations on houseplants cause leaf stippling, webbing, and reduced vigor. Early detection relies on visual inspection of undersides, stems, and new growth for tiny moving specks and fine silk.
Preventive measures include:
- Maintaining humidity between 50 % and 70 % to deter dry‑adapted mite species.
- Providing adequate airflow without creating drafts.
- Avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization that encourages rapid, tender foliage.
- Quarantining newly acquired plants for at least two weeks before introduction.
When infestations appear, immediate action prevents spread. Options are:
Chemical control
- Apply neem oil at 1–2 % concentration, covering all plant surfaces.
- Use horticultural oil (e.g., mineral oil) at the label‑recommended rate, repeating after 7–10 days.
- Select acaricides labeled for indoor use, following safety instructions and avoiding residues on edible species.
Biological control
- Introduce predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus; release rates depend on infestation severity.
- Maintain a habitat that supports predator populations by providing refuges (e.g., small leaf litter).
Cultural practices
- Remove heavily infested leaves with sterile scissors.
- Increase watering frequency to raise leaf turgor, making foliage less attractive to mites.
- Clean pot surfaces and surrounding area with a mild soap solution to eliminate fallen debris.
Monitoring continues after treatment. Inspect plants weekly for new symptoms, adjust humidity, and repeat control measures if mite activity resurfaces. Integrated pest management, combining cultural, biological, and chemical tactics, yields the most reliable suppression of «mites» on indoor vegetation.