How to Treat/Prevent Spider-Mites

Treating spider mites can be a pain especially when you’re unsure of what steps to take. In my personal opinion, with preventative routine care, you can reduce the chances of them camping out in your home, on your plants. It’s important to note that everyone’s treatment plan is not the same and there are several methods you can implement to reduce, prevent, and remedy your plant(s).

The #1 genus of plant that I typically see spider mites on are alocasias. Spider mites thrive in dry, non-moist environments which is why it’s important to mimic a tropical environment for your plants if at all possible. This is also why it’s important to truly understand your home, your schedule, and the time you’re willing to put into caring for plants like alocasias. Spider mites can populate very quickly if not treated immediately. With that being said, I think it’s best to check on your plants as often as you can to prevent that.

One of my favorite alocasias recently contracted spider mites and instead of tossing her out, I’m treating her. Here are my quick and easy steps.

How I Treat my Alocasias from Spider-Mites:

1.     Completely rinse the plant off

2.     Cut off damaged leaves

3.     Treat the plant with your preferred method of insecticide

4.     Isolate

5.     Provide humidity

6.     Repeat until all mites are gone

In this image, you can see where I’ve chopped everything minus new growth off.

As I was pruning, I came across a few new growth points.

I have been using Arber products for a few months now and I really love what they stand for, and their products! I’m super excited to use this bio insecticide to prevent future outbreaks on my plants.

After treating the plant, you will then want to ensure that you continue to monitor and use preventative measures to make sure they do not return. With personal experience and research, I’ve learned that spider mites hate moist, humid conditions which is why it’s so important to mimic that tropical environment if you can. This is also why many do not like alocasias to begin with LOL.

If you’ve ever battled with spider mites, I’d love to hear how you combated yours! Let me know below so we can chat and help each other out within the plant community.

Until next time,

Brittanie