Question
 I have a jasmine plant that is infested with some sort of "bug". I never can see them, but the plant is loosing leaves and I find very fine webbing at the base of the leaves and on the stem.  I have tried a couple different sprays, and just when I think they're gone,,leaves start falling again, and the webs are back. I would like to try more of a soap base spray if possible since the other sprays don't seem to be working. Is there one I can make up myself?  I have checked all my other plants in the same room, and all through the house.  This plant seems to be the only one with this problem!
 Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks Julie

Answer
Hi Julie,

Jasmine are favored hosts of spider mites. Mix up a solution of liquid dish soap and water just as you would for dishes. You can either spray the entire plant until all leaf and stem surfaces are dripping wet. Or you can invert the pot and swish all of the leaves around in a sink filled with soapy water for about 30 seconds.

The key here is thoroughness of coverage. About a dozen spider mites can fit on the head of a pin, so if you miss a few in your treatment, they will reproduce and come back again. Sometimes a second drenching a week later is helpful.

In any case, always be vigilant and treat the mites as soon as you see them. They often appear as dust-like particles on the undersides of the leaves.

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

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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

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