Phal Treatment for Spider Mites

[labyrinth1959]

This is a what if question. Two years in a row I have put out nice flowers on our third floor deck. Each year they have become infested with spider mites. I don't understand how the mites get to those plants, but anyway this is my question. I always keep my phal orchids in the house, but I wonder what I would do if it should happen that I would find spider mites on the Phals. I would like suggested treatments if that would happen.

[tmoney]

hey there,

well, im probly in the minority, but i always fall back on semi- frequent washings of mild soap. i always just use dish soap but you can get the insecticidal stuff. with just keeping leaves moist can go a long way to keeping them at bay as well. that's tricky tho if you grow inside an apartment...

[estación seca]

Spider mites are tiny, and outside in the environment everywhere. They come into the house on animals, clothing, or even blown through screens by the wind. All plants must be watched for spider mites, especially during warm weather with low humidity.

I use 70% alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or insecticidal soap when I see them. Treat all plant surfaces and the top of the medium. A preventive method is to rinse the entire plant with plain water every 1-2 weeks. I spray all my plants every few weeks with plain water.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by labyrinth1959

This is a what if question. Two years in a row I have put out nice flowers on our third floor deck. Each year they have become infested with spider mites. I don't understand how the mites get to those plants, but anyway this is my question. I always keep my phal orchids in the house, but I wonder what I would do if it should happen that I would find spider mites on the Phals. I would like suggested treatments if that would happen.

Spider mites are everywhere, and so tiny that they can easily get through window screens. So vigilance with regard to your indoor plants is important, you want to catch any problem while it is small.

[labyrinth1959]

Thankyou all for your replies.