Where does the spider mite appear? - briefly
Spider mites typically inhabit the lower leaf surfaces of a broad range of plants, including vegetables, fruit trees, ornamental shrubs, and indoor houseplants, especially in greenhouse and garden settings. They proliferate in warm, dry environments where humidity is low.
Where does the spider mite appear? - in detail
Spider mites are most commonly encountered on the undersides of leaves where they feed on cell contents. They thrive on a wide range of host plants, including:
- Vegetables such as tomatoes, beans, peppers, and cucumbers.
- Fruit trees like apple, peach, and citrus.
- Ornamental species, especially roses, hibiscus, and geraniums.
- Indoor foliage, for example, pothos, philodendron, and ferns.
Their prevalence increases in environments with low humidity and high temperatures, conditions typical of greenhouses, heated indoor spaces, and arid outdoor regions. Dense foliage and stressed plants—those suffering from drought, nutrient deficiency, or chemical injury—are especially susceptible.
Geographically, spider mites are found worldwide, from temperate zones to tropical climates. In temperate areas, populations surge during summer months, while in tropical regions they remain active year‑round. They are also present in agricultural settings where monoculture crops provide abundant food sources.
The insects can be transported on contaminated tools, clothing, or plant material, allowing rapid spread between greenhouses, nurseries, and field crops. Consequently, infestations often appear first in protected cultivation systems before moving to outdoor gardens.