How to treat indoor flowers for spider mites? - briefly
Remove the affected plant from other greenery, rinse foliage with a strong jet of water, then apply a labeled miticide such as insecticidal soap or neem oil, covering both upper and lower leaf surfaces. Repeat treatment every 5‑7 days until mites disappear and maintain proper humidity to discourage reinfestation.
How to treat indoor flowers for spider mites? - in detail
Spider mites commonly colonize indoor flowering plants, causing stippled leaves, webbing, and reduced vigor. Early detection relies on inspecting the undersides of foliage with a magnifying lens; tiny moving dots indicate active infestations.
Control measures combine cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical tactics.
- Environmental adjustment – Increase ambient humidity to 60 % or higher; mites thrive in dry air. Use a humidifier or place trays of water near heat sources.
- Sanitation – Remove heavily infested leaves and dispose of them away from other plants. Clean pots, trays, and surrounding surfaces with a mild soap solution.
- Physical removal – Rinse plants with a strong jet of water, focusing on leaf undersides, to dislodge mites and webs. Repeat weekly during peak activity.
- Biological agents – Introduce predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus. Release rates of 10–20 predators per square foot provide effective suppression when populations are low to moderate.
- Botanical sprays – Apply neem oil at 2 % concentration or a horticultural oil (e.g., neem or mineral oil) diluted according to manufacturer instructions. Spray thoroughly, covering both leaf surfaces and stems. Repeat every 5–7 days until mites disappear.
- Synthetic acaricides – Use products containing abamectin, spirodiclofen, or bifenthrin only as a last resort. Follow label rates precisely; rotate modes of action to prevent resistance.
Monitoring continues after treatment. Re‑inspect foliage every 3–4 days; resume humidification and mechanical removal if new mites appear. Maintaining optimal watering, adequate light, and regular fertilization reduces plant stress, limiting future outbreaks.