Spider Mites

[Warinsbloom]

I think I may have a new spider mite probelm. Could the new bark I re-potted my babies in carried these little pests in with them??
How can I rid my Phal of this pest...I think only one of my phals got hit.

[Germinatorman]

It is my understanding that they are airborne. If I do not keep misting my Phals. and Masd. I can just about bet on them moving in. They like dry air, definitely do not like the humidity. They also love Diffenbachia and a host of other plants - Schefflera, etc. If you are not currently misting I would take up the habit - just make sure to do early in the day and give the leaves time to dry off before dark. There are many remedies sold to remove them - I have only had good luck with a miticide and then starting the misting.

[orchidlady]

What makes you think you have mites? What are the symptoms/signs?

Infected orchids I have seen often have a silvery sheen to the leaves due to the cells of the plant being sucked dry by the mites.

As Don mentioned, they don't like humidity and that is the best way to help control spider mites. They thrive on a lot of commercial office plants because of the lack of humidity in that environment due to the air conditioning systems. You can get rid of them with mitacides, rubbing alcohol and neem oil can also work, but need to be applied repeatedly and regularly.

Susan

[Warinsbloom]

Hi Susan,

I'm just going off of the appearance of the leaves. They are looking as if something is snacking on them. My condo DID have bone dry heat. I thought that my phals were suffering because of it. I recently bought a humidifier ( I have a toddler) and I recently made humidity trays. I'll take a pic to better explain...but the alcohol dilution seems easy enough.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Hi Susan,

I'm just going off of the appearance of the leaves. They are looking as if something is snacking on them. My condo DID have bone dry heat. I thought that my phals were suffering because of it. I recently bought a humidifier ( I have a toddler) and I recently made humidity trays. I'll take a pic to better explain...but the alcohol dilution seems easy enough.

A photo or two will help. And, it will not hurt to treat the phals even if it is not spider mites.

Cheers,
BD

[Warinsbloom]

I'm holding up one of leaves to show the damage underneath. Spider mites???

[espranch]

Looks like mites to me. I spray with a 20% alcohol, 20% 409, 60% water solution every week on the plants inside the house ( Blooming or ICU ) This does deter all insects, including scale. Does not hurt my orchids at all. Betty :-)

[Warinsbloom]

Thanks Betty!!
As far as misting goes...will a standard spray bottle work? or is there a misting specific sprayer that I need to buy? Sorry for all the dumb questions! But honestly if it weren't for everyone's recent help, I'd be lost. That being said, I appreciate it MUCHO!...oh and Betty, will ANY multi-purpose spray work instead of 409? like Meyer's clean day products?

[Warinsbloom]

I'm also paranoid of Crown Rot since I've been through that before. Wont the misting encourage that?

[Masdyman]

First of all to confirm mites you must have a look with a strong magnifying glass/eye glass to see ,do this before you give them a dose of chemicals .

I like to mist a lot especially in warm weather , just make sure your plants are well shaded from the sun to prevent scorch, mist not soak, if water runs into crown makes sure it doesn't stand for too long .