Question
I received a pygmy date palm tree a couple of months ago.  It was in a decorative pot with other plants (an African Violet and some other indoor trees...) I recently repotted them separately and discovered the palm tree has bugs on the leaves.  The leaves are discolored (my first indication there was something wrong). I can visibly see the bugs crawling around and there are webs all over the leaves (even the new ones). I'm thinking spider mites perhaps??? How do I get rid of them? And how do I prevent the spread to my other plants? (They are all neighbors to each other!) Thank you so much for your help!

Answer
Hello Lori,

Yes, it certainly sounds as if your palm has been infected by red spider mites.  Personally I would attempt to wash off the insects and the webs in the first instance and then spray with a systemic insecticide following the instructions on the container.

You must isolate your plant as you don't want the insects crawling on to your other plants.  They can't be neighbours for a while!  And do mist your other plants with plain water to keep the air cool around them and also to prevent further attacks.  Obviously as I am sure you know you don't mist plants which have furry leaves ie African violets, gloxinias, non flowering begonias as their leaves and stems would rot.  But, generally speaking, all other plants will enjoy a misting especially in the hot dry weather.

I hope you manage to save your plants and banish those red spider mites from your home - good luck.

Diana