How to fight spider mites on an adenium? - briefly
Inspect the plant frequently and physically remove mites with a water spray or an alcohol‑dipped swab. Apply neem oil or horticultural oil every 7–10 days until the infestation disappears.
How to fight spider mites on an adenium? - in detail
Spider mites are a common pest of adenium, causing stippled leaves, webbing, and reduced vigor. Effective management requires early detection, cultural adjustments, mechanical removal, biological agents, and, if necessary, targeted chemicals.
Identify the infestation by inspecting the undersides of foliage for tiny moving specks and fine silk. A white or yellowish stippling indicates feeding damage. Lightly tap leaves over a white surface; dislodged mites will appear as moving dots.
Adjust growing conditions to make the environment less favorable for the pest. Maintain humidity above 60 % by misting or placing a tray of water nearby; spider mites thrive in dry air. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which promotes lush growth that attracts mites. Ensure adequate airflow by spacing plants and pruning overcrowded branches.
Remove the insects manually. Rinse the plant with a strong stream of lukewarm water, focusing on leaf undersides, to wash away many individuals. For persistent colonies, wipe each leaf with a cotton swab dipped in insecticidal soap or a mild detergent solution (1 % dish soap). Repeat every five to seven days until the population collapses.
Introduce natural predators that specialize in spider mites. Predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis and Neoseiulus californicus can be purchased and released according to label instructions. Ladybird larvae and lacewing eggs also provide supplemental control.
If cultural and biological measures prove insufficient, apply a selective acaricide. Choose products containing neem oil, abamectin, or bifenthrin, and follow the manufacturer’s dosage and re‑application interval. Apply in the early morning or late evening to protect beneficial insects from exposure.
Monitor the plant weekly for new signs of activity. Record the presence of webbing, leaf discoloration, and mite counts. Adjust the control regime based on observed trends, increasing the frequency of water sprays or predator releases when populations rise.
By combining vigilant scouting, environmental management, physical removal, biological agents, and judicious chemical use, the spider mite problem on adenium can be suppressed and the plant’s health restored.