How can I determine if my houseplant has spider mites?
How can I determine if my houseplant has spider mites?
Spider mites are tiny (about 1/50 inch long when mature). As a result, they are difficult to see with the naked eye. A convenient detection technique is to hold a sheet of white paper under a stem and then shake or tap the stem against the paper. The mites, if present, will show up as tiny, slow-moving specks on the paper. Examination of an infested plant may reveal very fine webbing produced by the mites. Also, check the plant for symptoms of mite feeding. In light infestations, plant foliage will appear to be speckled with tiny yellowish green to tan spots. Heavy mite infestations can turn the foliage to tan or brown. Heavily infested plants often drop their leaves.
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