Spider Mites on a 12-Year-Old Ficus: Treatment and Prevention

Eradicating Spider Mites from a Stressed Ficus

Naida's ficus, moved 7 times in 3 years, shows fine webbing, brown leaves, and leaf drop. Last repotted 6 years ago.

Confirming Spider Mites

Mist lightly with water—droplets cling to fine webs. Mites look like dust on leaf undersides. By the time webs appear, infestation is advanced.

Treatment

• Spray thoroughly with insecticidal soap, plain soapy water, or Hot Pepper Wax.
• Cover 100% of leaf and stem surfaces (top and bottom). Use gloves; run fingers along leaves to ensure contact.
• Repeat in 5–7 days to catch missed mites.
• Spray in a location where runoff isn't an issue (shower, outdoors).

Repotting?

Only repot if rootbound (top inch dries in <5 days after thorough watering). Otherwise, leave in current pot.

Prevention

Inspect weekly—especially palms. Quarantine and spray new/outdoor plants before bringing inside. Keep plants healthy with proper light and water; stress attracts mites.