How to save a plant from spider mites? - briefly
Inspect foliage, isolate the affected plant, and apply a thorough spray of neem oil or insecticidal soap, repeating the treatment every 5‑7 days until mites are eradicated.
How to save a plant from spider mites? - in detail
Spider mites appear as tiny specks on leaves, often accompanied by fine webbing. Early detection relies on inspecting the undersides of foliage with a magnifying glass; look for stippled or yellowed tissue and moving dots. Once confirmed, immediate action prevents rapid colony expansion.
Immediate actions
- Isolate the affected plant to protect neighboring specimens.
- Rinse foliage with a strong stream of lukewarm water, targeting both leaf surfaces; repeat daily for a week.
- Prune heavily infested shoots, discarding them in sealed bags to avoid spreading.
Cultural controls
- Increase ambient humidity to 60 % or higher; spider mites thrive in dry conditions. Use a humidifier or mist the canopy several times per day.
- Maintain optimal temperature ranges for the species; extreme heat accelerates reproduction.
- Provide adequate airflow by spacing plants and using fans, reducing stagnant microclimates where mites proliferate.
Biological options
- Introduce predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus) according to label recommendations; release rates depend on infestation severity.
- Apply entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana as a foliar spray; ensure coverage of the leaf undersides.
Chemical treatments
- Use horticultural oil (e.g., neem or mineral oil) at 1–2 % concentration, thoroughly coating all plant parts. Reapply every 7–10 days until no mites are observed.
- If oil fails, select a miticide with low toxicity to beneficial insects (e.g., abamectin). Follow manufacturer dosage precisely; avoid overuse to prevent resistance.
Monitoring and follow‑up
- Conduct weekly inspections for at least one month after treatment cessation.
- Record mite counts to gauge efficacy; adjust control measures if populations rebound.
- Keep sanitation practices strict: clean tools, trays, and growing media regularly.
By integrating rapid removal, environmental adjustments, biological agents, and, when necessary, targeted chemicals, a compromised plant can recover and remain mite‑free.