Spider mites are one of the common pest problems that can occur with Fiddle Leaf Figs. Because spider mites can reproduce quickly and spread easily, a small outbreak can quickly become a big issue!.
But fear not – with a few simple steps you can have your Fiddle Leaf healthy again. Are you having trouble with these bugs or are you not sure if your Fiddle has them? Keep reading to find out how to tell.
If you’ve noticed thin, stippling or yellowing on the leaves of your fiddle leaf fig, you may have an infestation of spider mites. These tiny pests are the bane of many plant owners. Left unchecked, they can quickly kill your prized fiddle leaf fig.
The good news is that with prompt action, you can get rid of spider mites and save your plant. Here’s what you need to know about identifying and eliminating spider mites on fiddle leaf figs.
What are Spider Mites?
Spider mites belong to the arachnid family along with spiders and ticks. There are over 1,200 species of spider mites that feed on plants.
They are tiny – about 0.02 inches (05 mm) in size – and often red, yellow, brown or green. Spider mites have eight legs and tend to move quite slowly
These pests pierce plant cells with their mouthparts and suck out the fluids. This leads to stippling, discoloration, wilting and even leaf loss Spider mites prefer the undersides of leaves and young foliage
They spread quickly by producing eggs and dispersing via their webbing and wind currents Just a few mites can turn into an infestation covering a plant in a short period,
Signs of Spider Mites on Fiddle Leaf Figs
Watch for these symptoms that indicate spider mites may be present:
- Fine stippling on leaves
- Yellow or brown spots on leaves
- Shriveling, curling or wilting of leaves
- Dropping of leaves
- Webbing on branches and leaves
- Tiny red, yellow, green or brown moving dots on undersides of leaves
Check both sides of leaves closely with a magnifying glass to spot the mites themselves. Look near the midrib and veins where they like to feed. Shake a leaf over white paper to dislodge mites for easier viewing.
Getting Rid of Spider Mites on Fiddle Leaf Figs
If you detect spider mites, take action promptly to avoid major damage. Here are effective ways to eliminate spider mites:
Wash Away Mites
- Use a steady stream of water to dislodge mites from leaves. Focus on undersides.
- Try a kitchen syringe, spray nozzle on a hose or Super Soaker water gun.
Apply Insecticidal Soap
- Spray insecticidal soap concentrate on leaves top and bottom.
- Repeat every 3-5 days for 2 weeks.
Use Neem Oil
- Wipe leaves thoroughly with cotton pads soaked in neem oil.
- Reapply every 7-10 days for 3 treatments.
Release Predatory Mites
- Purchase predatory mite species that feed on spider mites.
- Apply per package instructions. They will eat spider mite eggs and larvae.
Discard Heavily Infested Leaves
- Prune off badly damaged leaves and destroy them.
- Avoid spread to other plants.
Quarantine Affected Plant
- Isolate from other plants until mites are gone.
- Check other plants closely for signs of mites.
Improve Growing Conditions
- Spider mites thrive on stressed plants.
- Ensure proper light, water, humidity and fertilization.
With diligence and the right pest control methods, you can wipe out destructive spider mites and restore your fiddle leaf fig to health. Be sure to follow up with periodic checks for any remaining mites. At the first sign, take immediate steps to eradicate before they multiply.
Preventing Spider Mites on Fiddle Leaf Figs
Once you’ve tackled an infestation, here are some tips to help prevent future spider mite problems:
- Quarantine and check new plants thoroughly before introducing.
- Separate plants to allow airflow and make conditions less favorable.
- Mist leaves regularly to increase humidity.
- Avoid excess nitrogen fertilization which promotes mite growth.
- Hose down plants weekly to wash away mites.
- Release predatory mites periodically as a preventive measure.
- Apply neem oil monthly as a repellent.
- Act immediately at any sign of mites before they spread.
While spider mites can be challenging, don’t despair. With persistence and the right approach, you can eliminate these pests from your precious fiddle leaf fig and avoid issues in the future.
Identifying Spider Mite Damage
Spider mites feed on the chlorophyll found in leaves, which is the green pigment. Because of this, spider mite damage to leaves usually shows up as a white or even brown tint. Sometimes you may not notice it until an infestation has broken out!.
See the photo below for an example of the whitish tinge that spider mites leave.
Note: If your Fiddle Leaf has other damage, see this post on identifying brown spots for help.
How to Identify Spider Mites
Spider Mites are teeny tiny, which can make them quite difficult to notice until there’s thousands. You may also actually notice their eggs before you see the mites themselves too. Remember that they can be on the plant stem, the top or bottom of the leaves, or both. So here’s a few signs to look out for:
The eggs show as tiny white dots. Clusters of them may appear on the leaves, often within the dips of leaf veins. You may also notice they sit within microscopic webs.
Can you see the tiny cluster of white dots (eggs) in the photo below?
Spider mites come in a few different types, but the ones I usually find on my Fiddle Leafs are reddish-brown. You may see them moving on the leaves, although they are less than 1mm in size. You can also identify them by running your hand or a piece of paper towel over a leaf. If there’s red-brown smudges on the paper towel, that’s them!.
Because the mites are tiny, the webs are tiny too. Keep an eye out for them where the leaves meet the stem or even in the small depressions where the veins run through the leaves. [vc_raw_html]JTVCY29udmVydGtpdCUyMGZvcm0lM0Q4MjY1ODElNUQ=[/vc_raw_html].
Treating My FLF For Spider Mites | A quick guide to fighting pests on house plants
FAQ
Can a plant survive with spider mites?
How do you tell the difference between spider mites and edema in fiddle leaf figs?
What are the little bugs on my fiddle leaf fig?
Do fiddle leaf Figs have spider mites?
Spider mites on your fiddle leaf fig are spiders, after all, and they spin webs on your fiddle leaf fig’s leaves, stems, and trunks. They usually don’t leave webbing in the soil, however. Examine your tree closely for soft, cottony webbing. Spider mites especially like the undersides of leaves, so check those leaves, top and bottom!
How do you get rid of spider mites on fiddle figs?
Alternatively, mist the plant with neem oil to kill the spider mites. You can tell if your fiddle fig leaves are suffering from spider mite infestation by carefully looking at the leaves. A key indicator of spider mites on fiddle leaf figs is small brown or dark red dots on the leaves.
Do spider mites eat fiddle leaf?
Spider mites hate water in the air and the same goes for water in the soil. A well-watered Fiddle Leaf is a great deterrent as it makes it difficult for them to settle and also increases humidity around the plant as the water evaporates. Don’t leave the soil of your plant to dry out completelybefore watering again.
Why are my fiddle leaf fig leaves turning spotty?
But, when pesky spider mites are around, the previously glorious leaves may turn spotty and deformed, surrounded by webbing that is a classic sign of these bugs. Spider mites are the thorn in the side of just about any houseplant owner. They are one of the most common household pests that plague many indoor plants, including the Fiddle Leaf Fig.