Question
Hi
I seem to end up with spider mites anytime I have a plant that doesn't seem to belong here (gardenias which I have tried, a plumeria that I got at the flower show, jasmine plants). It doesn't happen to any of the other typical houseplants that I have. The problem would especially be severe if I put the plants out for the summer and then brought them back in. Sprays that I have tried don't seem to help. My plumeria is hilarious because when it gets spider mites, it drops all of its leaves off and then they re-grow. This plant has its own spring several times per year. I would love to have flowering plants like these thrive like all the others since they smell so lovely. What is the best way to care for such plants and prevent the mites?
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Stacey,

For complex reasons, spider mites favor certain plant species over others. Many flowering plants fall into the "delicious" category for the sucking spider mites.

Spider mites are very tiny and they look like dust particles to the naked eye, often hiding on the undersides of leaves. By the time they start making webs, they are already well established and difficult to eradicate.

Plain soap and water, insecticidal soap, and Hot Pepper Wax can all be used safely to treat spider mites. The key with all of these products is to get 100% coverage of all leaf and stem surfaces - top and bottom. If you miss a few of the mites, which is easy to do because they are small enough to reside between spray droplets, then they will start to reproduce and you will have another infestation again in a few weeks.

Try to spray in a location where you can thoroughly drench all leaf surfaces without worrying about all the run-off. Run your fingers along leaf and stem surfaces to help get complete surface coverage (use rubber or latex gloves to avoid skin irritation.) It is also advisable to re-spray again about 5 days later to get any mites that you may have missed the first time.

The best mite prevention is vigilance. Any mite-prone plants should be checked every week for early signs of mites - look for "dust" particles on the undersides of leaves. Treat the mites at the very first sighting. They are much easier to eliminate in the early stages.

Spider mites often are introduced on newly acquired plants or by plants that have been outside. You may want to spray such plants before you bring them inside. Spider mites also prey on plants that are under stress. Thus, it is important to keep your plants healthy by providing good light and proper water.

If there is a particular plant for which you need care instructions, let me know.

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

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com

If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]