How to get rid of spider mites on houseplants? - briefly
Inspect foliage regularly, isolate affected plants, and apply a strong water jet, «insecticidal soap» or neem oil, repeating the treatment every 5‑7 days until mites are eliminated. Remove heavily damaged leaves and maintain moderate humidity to prevent recurrence.
How to get rid of spider mites on houseplants? - in detail
Spider mites thrive in warm, dry conditions and reproduce rapidly on indoor foliage. Early detection prevents severe damage; look for stippled leaves, fine webbing, and tiny moving specks.
- Isolation – move affected plants away from healthy specimens to limit dispersal.
- Mechanical removal – rinse leaves with a strong stream of water, focusing on the undersides where mites congregate. A handheld sprayer set to medium pressure dislodges large numbers.
- Physical barriers – cover pots with fine mesh or place sticky traps near the foliage to capture wandering individuals.
- Biological control – introduce predatory insects such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus following label instructions. These predators consume mites at all life stages.
- Chemical options – apply horticultural oil (e.g., neem or mineral oil) at a concentration of 0.5 % v/v, ensuring thorough coverage of leaf surfaces and veins. For severe infestations, use a miticide containing abamectin or spirotetramat, adhering to safety intervals and ventilation requirements.
- Environmental adjustments – raise ambient humidity to 60 %–70 % using a humidifier or pebble trays; increase air circulation with fans; avoid excessive fertilization with high nitrogen, which favors mite reproduction.
Preventive routine: inspect new acquisitions before introduction, prune heavily infested leaves, maintain consistent watering to avoid plant stress, and conduct monthly visual checks. Implementing these measures interrupts the mite life cycle, reduces population buildup, and safeguards indoor plant health.