What spider mites look like
Spider mites are tiny and easy to miss. The damage usually shows first. Leaves develop tiny pale dots called stippling, then they look dull or dusty.
Strong signs:
- Fine webbing at leaf edges and stems
- Stippled dots across the leaf surface
- Leaves turning dry and brittle
Quick test: Shake a leaf over white paper. If you see tiny moving dots, it is likely mites.
Why spider mites show up
They love:
- Dry air
- Warm indoor temps
- Stressed plants
If your home air is dry in winter, this is peak spider mite season.
Treatment plan
Day 0: Reset the plant
- Isolate the plant.
- Rinse thoroughly, including undersides.
- Wipe leaves gently to remove eggs and webbing.
Days 1 to 14: Repeat and starve them
- Repeat rinsing every 3 to 4 days.
- Use insecticidal soap if infestation is moderate or heavy.
- Raise humidity and improve airflow.
One mistake that ruins everything: Treat once, then forget. Eggs hatch, and the problem returns.
Prevention
- Keep leaves clean
- Avoid letting plants dry out too hard
- Add humidity support in winter
- Inspect new plants before they join your collection