How to remove flower spider mites from indoor plants? - briefly
Apply insecticidal soap or neem‑oil spray to the affected leaves, coating both upper and lower surfaces and repeating every 5‑7 days until mites are gone; isolate the plant, increase ventilation, and keep humidity low to discourage reinfestation.
How to remove flower spider mites from indoor plants? - in detail
Flower spider mites infest indoor foliage by feeding on leaf tissue, causing stippling, discoloration, and webbing. Early detection prevents severe damage. Inspect leaves regularly, especially the undersides, for tiny moving specks and fine silk.
- Isolate the affected plant to avoid spreading mites to neighboring specimens.
- Rinse the plant with a strong stream of lukewarm water, directing flow onto the leaf undersides. This dislodges many individuals.
- Apply a soap solution (1 % mild liquid dish soap mixed with water) using a spray bottle. Cover all surfaces, hold for five minutes, then rinse with clean water. Repeat every five to seven days until no mites are observed.
- Use neem oil at a concentration of 2 % for a systemic effect. Spray thoroughly, ensuring runoff does not pool in saucers. Reapply weekly during the infestation.
- For persistent colonies, introduce a predatory mite species such as Phytoseiulus persimilis. Release several dozen individuals per square foot of foliage; they will consume the pests within days.
- If chemical control is unavoidable, select a miticide labeled for indoor use (e.g., abamectin). Follow label rates precisely, apply during a low-light period, and ventilate the area after treatment.
Cultural measures reduce recurrence:
- Maintain humidity above 60 % by misting or using a humidifier; mites thrive in dry conditions.
- Keep temperature stable between 65–75 °F; extreme heat stresses the plant and favors mite proliferation.
- Remove dead or heavily infested leaves promptly.
- Avoid excessive fertilization with high nitrogen, which encourages rapid leaf growth and mite populations.
Monitoring continues after treatment. Conduct weekly visual checks for at least one month. If no signs appear, reduce preventive sprays to a monthly schedule during the growing season. This systematic approach eliminates flower spider mites and safeguards indoor plants from future outbreaks.