How to get rid of mites on indoor plants? - briefly
Inspect the plant, isolate it from others, and remove heavily infested leaves. Apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil to the remaining foliage, repeat weekly, and keep humidity low with regular leaf cleaning to prevent recurrence.
How to get rid of mites on indoor plants? - in detail
Mite infestations on indoor foliage cause leaf discoloration, webbing, and reduced photosynthetic capacity. Early detection prevents severe damage and plant loss.
Common indoor mite species include spider mites (Tetranychidae) that produce fine silk and leaf mites (Eriophyidae) that create gall‑like deformations. Identification relies on visual inspection of undersides and a hand lens.
Preventive actions focus on environmental stability and hygiene. Maintaining relative humidity above 60 % reduces mite reproduction; temperature should stay within 18‑24 °C. Regularly clean pots, trays, and surrounding surfaces. Quarantine newly acquired plants for at least two weeks, inspecting them daily for signs of infestation.
Mechanical removal methods:
- Flush foliage with a strong stream of lukewarm water, targeting leaf undersides.
- Wipe leaves with a soft cloth dampened in mild soapy solution.
- Prune heavily infested shoots and dispose of them away from healthy plants.
Chemical options include:
- Insecticidal soap applied at 2 % concentration, covering both leaf surfaces, repeated every five days until mites disappear.
- Neem oil mixed according to label instructions, effective as both repellent and growth inhibitor.
- Selective miticides (e.g., abamectin) used sparingly, following manufacturer safety guidelines to avoid phytotoxicity.
Biological control agents provide long‑term suppression. Predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis and Amblyseius swirskii establish on the host plant and consume pest mites continuously. Release rates of 10–20 predators per square foot are recommended, with weekly monitoring to adjust populations.
Integrated management combines the above tactics. Begin with cultural adjustments to raise humidity, then apply water spray and soap treatments. Introduce biological agents once the population declines below economic threshold. Maintain a schedule of weekly inspections, documenting mite counts and treatment outcomes to refine the protocol.