How to eradicate spider mite on a plant? - briefly
Apply a vigorous spray of water to the leaves, then treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days until mites are gone; repeat the application after rain. Remove heavily damaged foliage and keep the plant isolated to stop the infestation from spreading.
How to eradicate spider mite on a plant? - in detail
Spider mites thrive on the undersides of leaves, where they puncture plant tissue and extract sap. Early detection prevents population explosions. Examine foliage daily with a magnifying lens; look for stippled discoloration, fine webbing, and moving specks.
Control measures
- Physical removal – Use a strong jet of water to dislodge mites from leaf surfaces. Direct the spray at the leaf underside for at least 30 seconds per plant. Repeat every 3–4 days until no mites are observed.
- Horticultural oil – Apply a thin coating of dormant‑oil or neem oil, diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Cover both sides of the leaf, ensuring complete coverage. Reapply after 7 days and after any rain.
- Insecticidal soap – Mix liquid soap (2–5 % potassium salts) with water. Spray until runoff, focusing on the lower leaf surface. Reapply every 5 days for two weeks.
- Systemic acaricides – For severe infestations, use a product containing abamectin or spirodiclofen. Follow label dosage precisely. Rotate chemicals with different modes of action to avoid resistance.
- Environmental adjustment – Increase ambient humidity to 60 % or higher; spider mites prefer dry conditions. Reduce temperature to 20–25 °C if feasible, and improve air circulation.
Follow‑up
- Monitor plants for at least three weeks after the final treatment. Record any new webbing or damage.
- Prune heavily infested leaves and dispose of them away from the growing area.
- Quarantine newly acquired plants for two weeks, inspecting them before introduction to the collection.
Prevention
- Keep foliage clean by wiping leaves with a damp cloth weekly.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which creates tender new growth favored by mites.
- Introduce predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis) in greenhouse settings; release rates of 10–20 predators per square foot establish a natural control population.
Consistent application of these tactics eliminates spider mite colonies and safeguards plant health.