Spider Mites on Houseplants: Identification and Treatment

Signs of Spider Mites

• Fine white webbing on leaves and stems.
• Tiny moving dots (like grains of sand) on leaf undersides.
• Leaves stippled yellow/bronze, then brown and drop.

Why They Appear

Spider mites thrive in dry conditions. Infrequent watering and low humidity invite them.

Immediate Cultural Control

1. Water by weight: Soak the pot in a saucer for 5–10 minutes, drain, feel the weight. Rewater only when pot feels light.
2. Mist foliage weekly to raise humidity.
3. Fertilize monthly during growth with a balanced formula.

Chemical Control

Visit a local garden center (not a big-box store) for a miticide labeled for spider mites on houseplants. Follow label directions exactly. Repeat as directed—eggs are not killed by one spray.

Consistent moisture and humidity are the best prevention.