Question
Hi! A good year ago I purchased a coral cactus which has been properly potted since purchase (had to break off the cemented pebbles on top, etc., just like your other questioner had to do. Everything has been fine with this plant being at the office until this past week when I noticed a darkening of the coloration along the top of one section and looked closer. There are little red specks I think are mites. When I found the plant a lady standing nearby who had been looking at it said she would not buy it because she had had one and mites killed it, breaking her heart. How can I get rid of these pests? I have tried organic "oils" and commercial chemical sprays for mites on other plants (and a cactus) with no success.  The plants have all ended up dead. Is there some simple solution that would suffocate them, like using olive oil,without harming the plant? Any help you can give would be VERY appreciated. I try my best to be a responsible plant guardian / caregiver and this is pretty upsetting.  Thank you so much, Vicki  10/2/12  6:54pm

Answer
Hi Vicki,

Without seeing a good photo, I cannot be sure those are spider mites. If they are mites, all you need to do is thoroughly spray the infested area with a dilute solution of liquid dish soap and water. The soap film is more than enough to cover their tiny breathing apparatus and smother them. Wait a week and repeat this treatment.  Do not use any oils or chemical products.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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