How to get rid of spider mites at home on indoor plants? - briefly
Trim off heavily infested leaves, then thoroughly spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem‑oil solution, increase humidity, isolate it from other flora, and repeat the application every 5–7 days until the mites are gone.
How to get rid of spider mites at home on indoor plants? - in detail
Spider mites quickly colonize indoor foliage, especially in dry, warm conditions. Early detection relies on inspecting leaves for tiny moving specks, stippling, or fine webbing along leaf undersides. If an infestation is confirmed, isolate the affected plant to prevent spread.
Begin with a vigorous water rinse. Use a garden sprayer or a strong shower to dislodge mites and webs from both sides of each leaf. Repeat daily for a week, allowing the plant to dry between applications to avoid fungal problems.
Apply insecticidal soap or a potassium salt solution. Mix one tablespoon of pure liquid soap (no additives) with one liter of lukewarm water, or dissolve 2 g of potassium bicarbonate in the same volume. Spray until runoff, covering all foliage. Reapply every five to seven days until no mites are observed.
For organic control, introduce neem oil. Dilute 1 ml of cold‑pressed neem oil per 100 ml of water, add a few drops of emulsifier, and spray thoroughly. Neem interferes with mite feeding and reproduction; repeat treatments at 7‑day intervals.
If the infestation persists, consider a horticultural acaricide containing bifenthrin or abamectin, following the label’s dosage and safety instructions. Limit chemical use to severely affected plants and rotate products to avoid resistance.
Modify the growing environment to discourage mite development. Raise ambient humidity to 50‑70 % by misting or using a humidifier, and keep temperatures below 75 °F (24 °C) when possible. Increase air circulation with a fan, positioning it to move air across leaf surfaces without causing leaf damage.
Prevent future outbreaks by regularly cleaning leaf surfaces, removing dead foliage, and inspecting new acquisitions before introducing them to the collection. Rotate crops, avoid over‑fertilizing with high nitrogen, and quarantine any plant showing signs of stress.
A systematic approach—prompt removal, repeated targeted sprays, environmental adjustment, and vigilant monitoring—eliminates spider mite populations and safeguards indoor plant health.