Question
Hello, Will!

Thank you for all your houseplant help over the years.  My jade plant is now thriving thanks to your past help.

I have a "dwarf umbrella tree" -- not really a tree, more like a tiny bush at this point, ~10" in diameter and height -- that I think has red spider mites.  I first noticed webs on the leaves about a week ago, and noticed more recently that the plant was losing leaves. When I took it outside to clean out the dead leaves I looked closely to find incredibly tiny little reddish bugs crawling around. How can I treat this?  Is there anything at home I can use (vinegar-water? soap water?) or do I NEED to run out to the store for a special spray?  

Thanks for ALL of your help; you're such a wonderful resource!

Best wishes,
Christina B.

Answer
Hi Christina,

Thank you for your very nice compliments. Much appreciated!

I don't believe the "incredibly tiny reddish" crawlers are a problem for your plant. They are not red spider mites nor any other common indoor plant pest. However, the webs on the foliage are a sign of spider mites and are a threat to your plant.

If you haven't already, remove all dead leaves and other debris from the surface of the soil. Turn your plant upside down (while outside, of course) while holding it in the pot and shake out all the loose stuff. Also remove any loose surface soil not in direct contact with the roots. This will probably eliminate the red bugs in the soil. If you are still concerned about the crawlers in the soil, set the pot up to its rim in a tub of water for about 45 minutes. The flooding of the soil will force the critters to the surface in search of air.

Treat the spider mites by spraying with a solution of water with a squirt of liquid dish soap. The key is to thoroughly drench all leaf and stem surfaces so that the entire plant is dripping wet. If you are really thorough, no further treatment is required.

Plants that are attacked by insect pests are often already under stress for other reasons, including inadequate light and improper watering. Your Schefflera arboricola should be within a few feet of a north or east window where it can get lots of very bright indirect light all day. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry in between thorough waterings. Healthy plants are the best prevention against future pest infestations.

I have written an article on Schefflera care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

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

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com