How to get rid of mites in indoor plants? - briefly
Apply a neem‑oil spray or insecticidal‑soap solution to the affected leaves, repeating every 5‑7 days until mites are gone. Isolate the plant, raise humidity, and wipe foliage regularly to prevent reinfestation.
How to get rid of mites in indoor plants? - in detail
Mite infestations on houseplants develop quickly under warm, dry conditions. Small, moving specks on foliage, stippled leaf surfaces, or fine webbing indicate the presence of spider mites, broad‑range mites, or cyclamen mites. Early detection prevents severe chlorosis and leaf loss.
Identification relies on visual inspection and, when necessary, a hand lens. Adult mites appear as oval bodies 0.3–0.5 mm long, often red, brown, or yellow. Eggs are attached to the underside of leaves. Damage manifests as tiny yellow or white spots that expand into a stippled pattern.
Cultural measures reduce mite populations:
- Increase ambient humidity to 60 % or higher by misting plants or using a humidifier.
- Maintain consistent watering; avoid prolonged dry periods that stress foliage.
- Remove dead or yellowing leaves promptly, as they harbor eggs and larvae.
- Space plants to improve air circulation, limiting micro‑climates favorable to mites.
Physical removal can be performed without chemicals:
- Rinse affected plants with a strong jet of lukewarm water, focusing on the undersides of leaves.
- Wipe leaf surfaces with a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in diluted soap solution (1 % mild liquid dish soap).
- Apply neem oil or horticultural oil at a rate of 2 % v/v, covering all leaf surfaces, especially the undersides; repeat every 7–10 days until no new damage appears.
Biological and chemical controls supplement cultural practices:
- Introduce predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus; release rates of 10–20 predators per square foot are effective.
- Use insecticidal soaps containing potassium salts of fatty acids; apply until runoff, ensuring thorough coverage.
- For severe infestations, apply a systemic acaricide labeled for indoor use, following the manufacturer’s dosage and safety instructions.
Prevention focuses on maintaining plant health and monitoring:
- Inspect new acquisitions for mites before introducing them to existing collections.
- Quarantine suspect plants for at least two weeks, observing for signs of infestation.
- Keep foliage clean by occasional gentle wiping with a damp cloth.
- Rotate plant locations periodically to disrupt mite life cycles.
Consistent application of these steps eliminates mites, restores plant vigor, and minimizes recurrence.