How to fight the cyclamen mite? - briefly
Apply horticultural oil or neem oil to foliage at weekly intervals, covering leaf undersides, and keep humidity low with good air circulation to suppress reproduction. Remove heavily infested leaves and quarantine affected plants to prevent spread.
How to fight the cyclamen mite? - in detail
Cyclamen mite infestations develop quickly on indoor and greenhouse plants, causing leaf distortion, bronzing, and stunted growth. Effective control requires a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical measures applied systematically.
First, eliminate favorable conditions. Keep humidity below 60 % and provide good air circulation. Remove dead or heavily damaged foliage, as it harbors large populations. Inspect new acquisitions thoroughly; quarantine any plant showing signs of infestation for at least two weeks before introducing it to the collection.
Second, employ direct removal techniques. Use a soft brush or a cotton swab dipped in dilute alcohol (70 % isopropyl) to dislodge mites from leaf surfaces. Rinse plants with a fine spray of water to flush out remaining individuals. Repeat this process every three to five days for two weeks, targeting the undersides of leaves where mites congregate.
Third, apply miticidal treatments. For organic options, spray neem oil at a concentration of 2 % (1 ml per 50 ml water) with a surfactant, covering both leaf surfaces. Apply the mixture in the early morning or late evening, repeating after seven days and again after fourteen days. For synthetic control, use a product containing abamectin or spirodiclofen, following the label’s dosage and safety instructions. Rotate between different modes of action to prevent resistance buildup.
Fourth, introduce biological agents. Release predatory mites such as Amblyseius swirskii or Neoseiulus californicus at a rate of 10–15 individuals per square foot. Ensure the environmental conditions (temperature 20–25 °C, relative humidity 65–75 %) support predator activity. Monitor predator establishment weekly and supplement releases if populations decline.
Finally, maintain a monitoring schedule. Examine a random sample of leaves weekly under a magnifying lens (10×). Record mite counts and adjust treatment frequency accordingly. Consistent observation, combined with the outlined cultural, mechanical, chemical, and biological interventions, will suppress cyclamen mite populations and protect plant health.