What should you do if spider mites appear on flowers? - briefly
Immediately wash the foliage with a strong jet of water and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, repeating the treatment every 5–7 days until the mites are gone. Remove heavily infested leaves and maintain low humidity to prevent recurrence.
What should you do if spider mites appear on flowers? - in detail
Spider mites on blossoms require immediate intervention to prevent rapid population growth and damage.
First, confirm presence by inspecting undersides of petals and leaves for tiny moving specks and fine webbing.
Second, isolate affected plants from healthy specimens to limit spread.
Third, remove visible individuals with a strong stream of water, directing flow onto the flower surface for at least one minute.
Fourth, apply a horticultural oil or neem‑based spray: mix according to label instructions, coat all flower parts thoroughly, and repeat every seven to ten days until mites disappear.
Fifth, use insecticidal soap when oil is unsuitable: ensure complete wetting of blossoms, avoid residues that may cause phytotoxicity, and reapply after rain or irrigation.
Sixth, if botanical oils and soaps fail, consider a synthetic miticide approved for ornamental use: follow dosage precisely, observe pre‑harvest interval, and rotate with a different mode of action to prevent resistance.
Seventh, modify environmental conditions: increase relative humidity above 60 % and reduce ambient temperature to 20‑24 °C, creating an unfavorable setting for mite reproduction.
Eighth, implement preventive measures: regularly clean foliage, maintain adequate airflow, and conduct weekly scouting of new growth.
Ninth, document each treatment, dates, and observed mite counts to evaluate efficacy and adjust strategy promptly.