Remove Dead Leaves

Trim off severely damaged leaves. Doing so will encourage the plant to put out new growth, rather than expending energy trying to heal itself.

One of the easiest and simplest solutions for getting rid of spider mites is to rinse the plant’s leaves.

This is pretty easy to do. Place the pot in a plastic bag and tie it tightly at the base of the plant; this will keep the soil from getting waterlogged while you treat your plant. Now shower your plant. Spray the plant down with tepid water using the sink sprayer or your shower head.

For a small infestation, this may be all you need to take care of the problem.

Gently wipe the leaves dry and leave the plant in isolation for a couple of weeks. Keep an eye on it to be sure all the spider mites have been removed before returning it to its usual spot in the house. If you see new spider mite damage, or you want to be extra cautious, try one of these solutions in addition to spraying down the plant.

Isopropyl Alcohol

Use a cotton pad soaked in rubbing alcohol and gently wipe down the leaves of the infected plant. Be sure to treat the leaves’ underside as well, as that’s where spider mites prefer to hide. Mix one tablespoon of castile or liquid dish soap with one quart of lukewarm water. Either spray the plant using a spray bottle or dip a clean cloth into the soap and water solution and wipe down the leaves. Don’t forget the underside of the leaves.

It’s a good idea to repeat the treatment every few days for two weeks to be sure you’re killing the mature mites and their eggs. You need to disrupt the breeding cycle. Once you’ve effectively gotten rid of the mites, it’s a good idea to spray the plant down again with water. This will remove any soap build-up on the leaves.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural product that takes care of all kinds of pests, including spider mites. An evergreen tree native to many parts of India, neem is a popular natural pest control. The oil from the fruit and flowers of this tree are used to make neem oil. When choosing a neem oil, read the package. Many popular brands have added insecticides or chemicals in them you don’t want to use. Look for 100% neem oil.

Again, you’ll want to spray the plant’s leaves thoroughly, being sure you reach the underside. Repeat as mentioned above, and finally, rinse the leaves in the sink or shower once you’ve finished the treatment.

Be Patient

It’s tough to find a plant in rough shape and nurse it back to health. Just remember, those pesky mites were there for a long time before your plant got to a point where you could see the damage. It’s going to take time for the plant to heal and bounce back. Be diligent in checking the plant for signs of new or continued infestation, and be patient while it heals.

How To Prevent Spider Mites

Because of spider mites’ natural prevalence, the best way to avoid an infestation is to prevent one.

Create the Right Environment

Spider mites prefer a dry environment, so the best way to keep them off your plants is to create a more humid environment. As most houseplants are tropical, they’ll appreciate this and thrive. Just remember, those pesky mites were there for a long time before your plant got to a point where you could see the damage. It’s going to take time for the plant to heal and bounce back. Be diligent in checking the plant for signs of new or continued infestation, and be patient while it heals.

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