Question
Hi Darlene,

I bought a hibiscus plant last summer and have it indoors in my apartment (unfortunately I don't have a balcony).  

It had what I believe were spider mites (little white things with a red dot on their back crawling around; can see spider-web like threads)

I thought it was slowly dying, but didn't get around to throwing it out.  Good thing, because it came back to life.  A new shoot grew out from beside the former base of the plant, and now it's a tall stalk, big leaves, green buds at the top.

So my question is, does it still have bugs? I can't see any bugs on it, but could there be eggs/larvae hiding somewhere?

I want to know if I can safely put other plants next to it without contaminating them.  

Thanks,
Emma

Answer
Emma,

Sounds like as the plant died out the spider mites also died away. They no longer had anything to chew on. So yes, at this time you can set other plants around it.

However, hibiscus can be a spider mite magnet and they may come back. If they do they are easy to kill. Fill a spray bottle with 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and if you see any sign of insects begin spraying the plant and any other plants twice a week with the alcohol. Spray it twice a week thoroughly for a month and it should kill any insects that attack and their eggs including any eggs that hatch.

If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.


Darlene