Spider mite on a ficus – what to do? - briefly
Remove heavily infested leaves and spray the ficus with a strong jet of water, then apply neem oil or a horticultural miticide according to label directions. Maintain high humidity and isolate the plant to prevent a recurrence.
Spider mite on a ficus – what to do? - in detail
Spider mites commonly appear on ficus leaves, producing a fine webbing and stippled, yellow‑to‑white speckles where the insects have fed. Early detection relies on inspecting the undersides of foliage with a hand lens; the mites are tiny, often less than 1 mm, and move quickly when disturbed.
Identification steps
- Examine leaf undersides for tiny moving dots and silk threads.
- Look for a stippled pattern that expands outward from the point of infestation.
- Check new growth first, as mites prefer tender tissue.
Cultural controls
- Increase ambient humidity to 60 % or higher; mites thrive in dry conditions.
- Mist foliage daily or place a humidifier near the plant.
- Remove heavily infested leaves and dispose of them away from the growing area.
- Avoid overhead watering that leaves water on leaves for extended periods; excess moisture can encourage fungal problems.
Mechanical methods
- Rinse the plant with a strong jet of water, directing flow to the leaf undersides; repeat weekly until populations decline.
- Use a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in soapy water to dislodge mites from individual leaves.
Chemical and biological options
- Apply a neem‑oil solution (2–3 % concentration) every 7–10 days, covering both top and bottom leaf surfaces.
- Use insecticidal soap (containing 1–2 % potassium salts of fatty acids) with thorough coverage; reapply after 5–7 days if mites persist.
- Introduce predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus; release rates of 5–10 predators per square foot are effective for moderate infestations.
- Reserve synthetic acaricides (e.g., abamectin, bifenthrin) for severe cases; follow label instructions, rotate modes of action, and observe a pre‑harvest interval if the plant is used for propagation.
Monitoring protocol
- Set a schedule to inspect the plant twice weekly for the first month of treatment, then weekly for the next two months.
- Record mite counts per leaf section to assess trend; a consistent decline of 70 % over three inspections indicates successful control.
- Maintain a clean environment: remove fallen leaves, clean pots, and sterilize tools between uses.
Prevention measures
- Position ficus plants away from heat vents and drafts that lower humidity.
- Use well‑draining soil and avoid over‑fertilizing; excessive nitrogen promotes lush growth that attracts mites.
- Quarantine new plants for at least four weeks, inspecting them before introduction to existing collections.
By integrating regular inspection, humidity management, targeted sprays, and biological agents, a ficus can be restored to health and protected from future spider‑mite outbreaks.