Elephant Ear Plant With Spider Mites
Spider mites infestations can cause problems for elephant ear plants. The fact that the naked eye cannot easily detect spider mites complicates the problem further. Does this Spark an idea?
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Identification
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Spider mites only grow to about 25 mm in length. They suck the sap from the elephant ear plant with their feisty and piercing mouthparts, causing the leaves on the plant to yellow, brown and eventually drop off. Spider mites are aggressive procreators, growing from egg to adult in under two weeks. They multiply rapidly and trail along the underneath of the elephant ear plant's leaves.
Features
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The first signs of infestation are leaves that start looking dull. You can test for infestation by placing a sheet of white paper underneath a leaf or branch, tapping it slightly and examining the paper for movement. If you see movement, the plant is likely infested.
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Prevention/Solution
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Spray a strong stream of water on outdoor plants to upset the mites and dislodge them. Follow with an insecticidal soap on both indoor and outdoor plants to eliminate progression. Consider using miticide soap specifically formulated to eradicate spider mites. Examine underneath leaves frequently. If you have a magnifying glass, use it to conduct a closer inspection. Keep plants misted and isolate infected plants to reduce the spread to other plants, whether indoors or outdoors.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
