What are the signs of spider mites on indoor plants? - briefly
Fine webbing on leaf undersides and tiny yellow‑to‑bronze stipples indicate spider‑mite activity; leaves may turn pale, curl, and drop. Rapidly increasing web and a dusty appearance also signal infestation.
What are the signs of spider mites on indoor plants? - in detail
Spider mite infestations on houseplants become apparent through several consistent visual and physiological cues.
Leaf surface damage is the most immediate indicator. Tiny, yellow or silver speckles appear on the upper side of foliage, caused by the mites’ feeding punctures. As the feeding continues, the affected areas expand into a stippled pattern that may coalesce into larger, pale patches. The lower leaf surface often shows similar discoloration, sometimes more pronounced because many species prefer the underside.
Webbing is another hallmark. Fine, silk‑like threads form a delicate mesh between leaf veins, on stems, and around the plant’s base. In early stages the web may be only a few strands, but heavy infestations produce a dense, cobweb‑like covering that is easily brushed away.
Leaf deformation and premature drop accompany severe attacks. Leaves may curl, become distorted, or exhibit a bronzed, bronzy‑brown hue. The plant’s overall vigor declines, manifesting as slowed growth, reduced flowering, and wilting despite adequate watering.
Population detection often requires magnification. Under a hand lens or magnifying glass, individual mites appear as tiny, moving specks, roughly 0.5 mm in length, resembling dust particles. Their movement is more noticeable when the leaf is gently shaken over a white sheet of paper, where they fall as a fine dust.
Secondary signs reflect plant stress. Stunted new growth, chlorosis of emerging shoots, and a general loss of vigor may indicate a hidden infestation even when webbing is not yet visible.
Key symptoms can be summarized:
- Yellow‑silver stippling on upper leaf surfaces
- Similar discoloration on undersides
- Fine silk webs on leaves, stems, and pot edges
- Curling, bronzing, or distorted foliage
- Premature leaf drop and reduced growth
- Presence of minute, moving specks visible with magnification
- General plant decline despite proper care
Regular inspection of the leaf undersides, especially on new growth, and the use of magnification tools are essential for early detection and effective control.