Question
Greetings, a few months ago I bought an indoor pygmy palm tree and last week I noticed it is infested with what looks like are spider mites. I have been sparying with a mixture of soap and water and at times with a mixture of a small amount of rubbing alcohol and water. But they seem to come right back. I also discovered the soil is infested with what looks like fruit flies. I have read about the systemics but am reluctant to use them because of various reviews of how poisonous the plants become and at times create toxic fumes indoors. I would appreciate to know if you recommend any that are non or much less toxic. Also I read about Neem oil but it is only for sparying the leaves and not drenching the soil. Please note this is a good size tree and I don't have a way of changing the soil afterwards if I use a systemic or washing off the leaves with a hose. I would hate to lose this beautiful plant and would greatly appreciate your response. Thank you in advance!
Farsad

Answer
Hi Farsad, try a horticultural oil and spray the leaves to eradicate the spider mites, then spray the soil also, (I normally would go with a systemic,but you seem reluctant)this will hopefully suffocate the larvae that seem to be breeding in the soil. I would change out the soil (even though you say it is a big palm), this would definitely eliminate the source of the problem, plus you need to periodically do this anyway with any indoor plant. After you eliminate the mites from the fronds, keep them misted and this will deter the mites from returning, they need a dry atmosphere to multiply. Nick