What should be done if a plant is infested with spider mite? - briefly
Isolate the affected plant, rinse the leaves with a strong jet of water to remove mites, and treat the foliage with an approved miticide such as insecticidal soap or neem oil, repeating the application every 5–7 days until mites disappear. Remove heavily damaged leaves and maintain higher humidity to reduce the risk of recurrence.
What should be done if a plant is infested with spider mite? - in detail
When spider mites appear on foliage, act promptly to halt their rapid reproduction. First, confirm the presence by inspecting leaves for tiny specks, webbing, or a stippled, yellow‑brown discoloration. Use a magnifying glass to see the mites themselves—tiny, oval, usually less than 0.5 mm.
Isolate the affected plant from nearby specimens to prevent cross‑contamination. Remove heavily infested leaves and discard them in sealed bags.
Apply a vigorous water spray to the entire plant, focusing on the undersides of leaves where mites congregate. The jet of water dislodges many individuals and reduces their numbers without chemicals.
If water alone is insufficient, treat the plant with a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Follow the product label for dilution—typically 1–2 % solution—and coat all surfaces, repeating every 5–7 days for three to four applications. Ensure thorough coverage of leaf undersides.
For organic options, neem oil can be mixed at 0.5–1 % concentration and applied similarly. Neem disrupts feeding and reproduction, providing additional control.
When organic measures fail or the infestation is severe, consider a miticide labeled for spider mites. Choose a product with a low toxicity rating, apply according to manufacturer instructions, and rotate modes of action to avoid resistance.
Maintain an environment unfavorable to mites: keep relative humidity above 60 % by misting or using a humidifier, and avoid excessive heat (>30 °C). Regularly prune dense foliage to improve air circulation.
After treatment, monitor the plant weekly for at least six weeks. Use sticky traps or colored cards to detect lingering mite activity. Continue preventive sprays at monthly intervals during the growing season to keep populations below damaging levels.