How to treat spider mites on indoor plants? - briefly
Prune heavily infested foliage and wash the remaining leaves with a mild soap solution (1‑2 % detergent). Apply neem oil or a commercial insecticidal soap every 5‑7 days, maintaining higher humidity to suppress mite reproduction.
How to treat spider mites on indoor plants? - in detail
Spider mites thrive in dry, warm indoor environments and can quickly defoliate houseplants. Accurate identification, immediate action, and ongoing prevention are essential for successful control.
First, confirm infestation by examining leaves under a magnifying glass. Look for tiny, moving specks on the underside, fine webbing, and stippled discoloration. Early detection prevents extensive damage.
Effective control combines several methods:
- Physical removal: Rinse affected foliage with a strong stream of lukewarm water. Follow with a gentle spray of soapy solution (1 teaspoon mild liquid soap per liter of water) to suffocate mites. Repeat every 3–5 days until no activity is observed.
- Cultural adjustments: Increase ambient humidity to 50–70 % by misting plants or using a humidifier. Lower temperature slightly and avoid excessive fertilization, which encourages rapid mite reproduction.
- Biological agents: Apply commercially available predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis). Release rates of 100–200 predators per square foot provide rapid suppression. Ensure the product is labeled for indoor use and maintain suitable humidity.
- Botanical extracts: Use neem oil or rosemary oil diluted to 0.5 % concentration. Apply to both leaf surfaces, covering stems and undersides. Reapply weekly for three weeks, then discontinue if mites are absent.
- Synthetic acaricides: For severe outbreaks, select a low‑toxicity indoor acaricide (e.g., abamectin or spirotetramat). Follow label directions precisely, limiting applications to the recommended maximum of three per season. Ensure proper ventilation and keep pets and children away during treatment.
After treatment, monitor plants regularly for at least six weeks. Use sticky traps placed near foliage to detect residual mite movement. If re‑infestation occurs, repeat the integrated approach, emphasizing humidity control and biological predators.
Preventive practices include:
- Quarantining new acquisitions for two weeks before introducing them to the collection.
- Cleaning potting media and containers to eliminate hidden eggs.
- Rotating plants periodically to disrupt mite life cycles.
By integrating mechanical, cultural, biological, and, when necessary, chemical strategies, indoor cultivators can eradicate spider mite populations and maintain healthy foliage.