How to eliminate spider mites from an orchid? - briefly
Apply a miticide such as neem oil or horticultural oil to the orchid, following label instructions and repeating every 7‑10 days until mites are gone. Isolate the plant, raise humidity, and wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove any remaining pests.
How to eliminate spider mites from an orchid? - in detail
Spider mites (Tetranychidae) cause stippling, bronzing, and webbing on orchid leaves, reducing photosynthetic capacity and weakening the plant. Prompt detection and integrated management prevent severe damage.
Inspection should begin with a magnifying lens, examining the undersides of leaves for tiny moving specks and fine silk. Early signs include yellow‑white spots and a light web network. Once an infestation is confirmed, the following steps are recommended.
- Mechanical removal – Gently wipe leaves with a soft, damp cloth or spray a strong jet of water to dislodge mites and webs. Repeat every 2–3 days during the first week.
- Chemical control – Apply a miticidal soap containing potassium salts of fatty acids. Follow label directions, covering both leaf surfaces thoroughly. Re‑apply after 7 days and again after 14 days if mite activity persists.
- Systemic agents – Use a neem‑based oil or a horticultural oil formulated for orchids. Dilute according to manufacturer instructions; spray until runoff. Oils penetrate mite cuticles and disrupt feeding.
- Biological option – Introduce predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis) onto the orchid’s foliage. Maintain humidity above 60 % to support predator activity. Release rates of 10–20 predators per square inch are effective for moderate infestations.
- Environmental adjustments – Increase ambient humidity by misting or using a pebble tray. Reduce temperature fluctuations, keeping daytime temperatures between 20 °C and 27 °C. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which promotes soft new growth favored by mites.
- Quarantine measures – Isolate affected orchids from healthy specimens. Clean tools and containers with a 10 % bleach solution before reuse.
After treatment, monitor the plant weekly for at least six weeks. Absence of new webbing and a return to uniform leaf coloration indicate successful eradication. If resurgence occurs, repeat the mechanical and chemical steps, then consider augmenting with predatory mites. Maintaining optimal cultural conditions minimizes future mite outbreaks.