Spider mite on a rose indoors: how to treat? - briefly
Wash the affected leaves with a strong spray of water and immediately follow with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, repeating the treatment every 5–7 days until no mites are seen. Isolate the plant, keep humidity high, and inspect regularly to prevent reinfestation.
Spider mite on a rose indoors: how to treat? - in detail
Spider mites (Tetranychidae) infest indoor roses by feeding on leaf tissue, leaving stippled discoloration and fine webbing. Early detection relies on inspecting the undersides of foliage with a magnifying lens; the presence of tiny moving dots or silken threads confirms an outbreak.
Immediate actions
- Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to neighboring roses.
- Remove heavily infested leaves by cutting them off and discarding them in sealed bags.
- Rinse the entire plant with a strong stream of lukewarm water, directing the flow onto the leaf underside to dislodge mites.
Cultural controls
- Increase ambient humidity to 60‑70 % by misting or using a humidifier; spider mites thrive in dry conditions.
- Maintain temperatures between 65 °F and 75 °F, avoiding prolonged heat spikes that accelerate reproduction.
- Ensure adequate ventilation to reduce stagnant air, which favors mite colonization.
Biological options
- Introduce predatory insects such as Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus; release rates of 10–15 predators per square foot are effective.
- Apply a neem oil solution (2 % v/v) every 5–7 days; the oil interferes with mite feeding and reproduction while being safe for the plant.
Chemical treatments
- Use a horticultural oil (e.g., mineral oil) at the label‑recommended concentration; apply until runoff, covering all leaf surfaces.
- If oil‑based products are insufficient, select a miticide containing abamectin or spirodiclofen; follow the product’s dosage and re‑treatment interval strictly to avoid resistance buildup.
Preventive measures
- Conduct weekly visual checks, especially during the winter heating season when indoor air is dry.
- Rotate potting media annually to eliminate hidden egg shells.
- Avoid over‑fertilizing with high nitrogen, which produces tender foliage attractive to mites.
Combining sanitation, environmental adjustment, biological agents, and, when necessary, targeted chemicals provides a comprehensive strategy to eradicate spider mite infestations on indoor roses and to minimize recurrence.