How to make a soap solution for spider mite treatment? - briefly
Mix 1–2 % pure liquid dish soap with water, optionally add a few drops of horticultural oil, stir gently, and spray the solution onto infested leaves until fully wet. Reapply every 5–7 days until spider mites are no longer observed.
How to make a soap solution for spider mite treatment? - in detail
A practical soap spray for spider mite control begins with selecting the right detergent. Choose a pure liquid castile soap or a mild dish soap that contains no additives such as bleach, fragrances, or antibacterial agents. These additives can harm plants and reduce the efficacy of the spray.
Ingredients
Preparation steps
- Measure the water and heat it briefly; warm water improves soap solubility.
- Add the measured soap to the water while stirring gently to avoid foam formation.
- Continue stirring until the solution becomes clear and homogeneous.
- Allow the mixture to cool to ambient temperature before filling a spray bottle.
Application guidelines
- Test the spray on a small leaf area 24 hours before full coverage; observe for any phytotoxic reaction.
- Apply in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce leaf burn from sunlight.
- Cover both upper and lower leaf surfaces; spider mites reside primarily on the undersides.
- Repeat every 5–7 days, or after rainfall, until mite populations decline.
Safety and storage
- Wear gloves and eye protection when mixing.
- Label the container with concentration and date of preparation.
- Store in a cool, dark place; the solution remains effective for up to two weeks. Discard any batch that develops odor or discoloration.
Troubleshooting
- Persistent leaf spotting after application may indicate insufficient concentration; increase soap to 2 teaspoons per liter.
- Excessive foaming suggests the use of a soap with high surfactant content; switch to a low‑foam castile formulation.
- If plant tissue shows wilting, immediately rinse with clean water and reduce future applications.
Following these precise steps yields an effective, low‑cost soap spray that suppresses spider mite infestations while minimizing risk to the host plant.