How to treat indoor plants for spider mites? - briefly
Inspect leaves, isolate affected plants, and spray them thoroughly with a solution of water and mild insecticidal soap, repeating the treatment weekly until mites are gone. For heavy infestations, apply neem‑oil spray or a labeled miticide according to the product instructions.
How to treat indoor plants for spider mites? - in detail
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that thrive in warm, dry indoor environments. Detecting them early prevents extensive foliage damage. Inspect leaves regularly, especially the undersides, for fine webbing, stippled discoloration, or moving specks. A white sheet of paper held beneath a leaf can reveal falling mites when shaken.
Cultural controls
- Increase ambient humidity to 50‑70 % by misting plants, using a humidifier, or placing trays of water with pebbles nearby.
- Keep temperature moderate; avoid heating that dries the air.
- Remove heavily infested leaves and dispose of them away from other plants.
- Ensure proper ventilation to reduce stagnant air.
Mechanical methods
- Rinse the entire plant with a strong jet of lukewarm water, directing the stream onto the leaf undersides.
- For small pots, submerge the root ball briefly, then allow excess water to drain.
- Repeat the wash weekly until populations decline.
Biological agents
- Apply a commercial predatory mite formulation (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus) according to label directions.
- Introduce beneficial insects such as ladybird larvae or lacewing eggs if the indoor setting permits.
- Maintain a habitat that supports these agents by providing pollen or yeast as supplemental food.
Chemical options
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil, diluting to the recommended concentration (typically 1‑2 %).
- Spray thoroughly, covering both sides of leaves, and repeat every 5‑7 days until mites disappear.
- For severe outbreaks, consider a horticultural oil (e.g., mineral oil) applied at 1 % concentration, ensuring the foliage remains moist for at least 8 hours post‑application.
Integrated approach
- Begin with a thorough water rinse to lower mite numbers.
- Raise humidity and improve airflow to create an unfavorable environment.
- Introduce predatory mites if the infestation persists after two weeks.
- Apply soap or oil treatments only if biological control proves insufficient.
- Monitor weekly, adjusting humidity and ventilation as needed.
Consistent observation, prompt removal of affected foliage, and a combination of environmental adjustments with targeted treatments will eradicate spider mite colonies and protect indoor plants from future invasions.