Gerber Daisies & Spiders
Gerber daisies are hardy perennials that work well for cutting. They come in a variety of bright colors with thin stems and long leaves. No insects are a major pest of gerber daisies, but the plants occasionally succumb to spider mites. Does this Spark an idea?
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Identification
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Spider mites are miniscule, appearing as moving dots on a plant upon close observation. These mites feed and lay eggs on a variety of plants, including gerber daisies. They reproduce in hot, dry weather, spinning telltale webs across the flowers, stems and foliage of infested plants.
Symptoms
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Spider mites suck plant sap, often attacking new, tender growth on gerber daisies before moving on to other plant parts. Leaves appear dotted, later turning bronze. Drought-stressed plants exhibit the most severe symptoms.
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Solution
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Small infestations do not adversely affect gerber daisies long term, but severe infestations require control methods. Spraying the plant with a strong stream of water often removes enough spider mites and eggs to save the plant. Heavier infestations require insecticidal soap. Avoid general insecticides, which kill off beneficial insects that keep spider mite populations under control.
Tips
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Spider mites infest stressed plants more severely than those that receive adequate care. Keep your gerber daisies well watered in a location with rich, well-draining soil. Fertilize monthly during blooming and provide full to partial sun, with afternoon shade in hot climates.
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References
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