How to Control Spider Mites on Plumeria

A plant native to the American tropics, plumeria is often cultivated and grown in gardens and homes. As with most plants, plumeria is susceptible to pests, such as spider mites, which are closely related to spiders. These minute annoyances are almost impossible to detect with the human eye. If seen, they will appear as a tiny dot. Even if you can't actually see the pests, the plumeria will likely show signs of an infestation via unhealthy looking leaves that are speckled, pale and yellowed.

Things You'll Need

• 20X magnifying tool
• Pruning shears
• Plastic trash bags
• Garden hose
• Sprayer attachment
• 1 percent horticultural oil spray

Instructions

1. Use a 20X magnifying tool to detect the presence of spider mites. Snip yellowish, speckled or decaying leaves off of the plant with pruning shears, taking care not to cut into the stalk of the plant, and discard in a sealed trash bag.

2. Clean the remaining leaves of the plant with water from a garden hose sprayer attachment. This will blast away the spider mites. Be sure to spray the top and bottom of the leaves.

3. Spray 1 percent horticultural oil spray on the leaves of the plumeria, according to the product instructions. Place the plant in an area away from direct sunlight and heat for 24 hours after treatment. Keep the soil moist to avoid stress.

Tips & Warnings

• Insecticides can be used to control spider mites, but they will need to be applied repeatedly.

• Placing the plant in an area with good air circulation can help discourage spider mites. They prefer still, warm, dry areas.

References

• University of California Integrated Pest Management: Sixspotted Spider Mites on Plumeria
• Plumeria 101.com: Spider Mites