How to treat an indoor lemon plant for spider mites? - briefly
Inspect leaves regularly; if spider mites are detected, isolate the plant and apply a 1‑2 % solution of «neem oil» every five days until the infestation clears. Increase ambient humidity and rinse foliage with a strong water stream to remove remaining pests, then monitor weekly.
How to treat an indoor lemon plant for spider mites? - in detail
Spider mites appear as tiny specks on the undersides of leaves, leaving fine webbing and a stippled, yellow‑brown discoloration. Early detection relies on close inspection of foliage with a hand lens and removal of heavily infested leaves to reduce the initial population.
Cultural measures reduce mite reproduction. Keep the lemon tree in a bright location with at least six hours of direct light; high light intensity discourages mite development. Maintain ambient humidity between 60 % and 70 % by misting the plant daily or placing a tray of water nearby. Avoid excessive fertilizer, especially nitrogen, which promotes lush growth favored by the pests. Water the pot thoroughly, allowing excess to drain, then let the soil surface dry before the next watering to prevent a constantly moist environment that attracts other pests.
Mechanical control involves physically removing the insects. Rinse the whole plant with a strong stream of lukewarm water, directing the flow to the leaf undersides. Follow with a wipe of each leaf using a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in soapy water (a few drops of mild dish soap per liter of water). Repeat the wash every two to three days until no new webbing appears.
Organic and chemical options provide additional control. Apply neem oil at a concentration of 1 %–2 % (mix 5 ml of 20 % neem oil with 250 ml of water) and spray both leaf surfaces until runoff occurs. Allow the solution to dry before exposing the plant to direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. For faster action, use a horticultural oil (e.g., mineral oil) at 1 % concentration, following the same application method. If the infestation persists, a miticide containing abamectin or spirotetramat may be employed according to the label dosage, observing a pre‑harvest interval of at least seven days before fruit consumption.
Prevention centers on regular monitoring and maintaining optimal growing conditions. Inspect the plant weekly, especially after temperature changes or repotting, and keep the surrounding area free of dust that can shelter mites. Rotate treatments to avoid resistance: alternate neem oil with horticultural oil, and reserve synthetic miticides for severe outbreaks only. Consistent adherence to these practices limits mite populations and protects the health of the indoor lemon tree.