Spider mites!!!!

[rbarata]

Spider mites are microscopic organisms. I believe there's one specie that can be seen with a neked eye but in general they are too small for the human eye to see them. A magnifying glass of at least x10 is enough to notice them.

Another thing is, one can't get rid of mites. All the treatments are aimed in controlling their population, preventing their number to increase to a level that can be dangerous. But once one of your plants have them, assume that all of them are infestated.

Prepare a solution of 3 tablespoons of washdish soap per gallon of water + 5% alcohol. Spray the whole plant everywhere, medium included but especially on the under side of the leaves.
Wait 10 minutes and spray heavily and furiously water evreywhere on the plant (but without damaging it, an hand spray bpttle is good for it, you can spray directly and more closely the different areas of the plant.

Then repeat this "treatment" every 5 to 7 days for a month.

Then you'll have their population controlled. Ideally you should do it for all the plants you have, which is why spider mites are a #@!!.

[Clawhammer]

Thank you, this helps me understand the containment strategy. I have also moved one of my humidifiers next to the catasetinae as I read spider mites prefer less humid conditions. The infected plant is in the basement.

The species I have is visible (thanks Lasik surgery) I know because I had them at the end of last season. 6 of my catasetums are quite far along with new growth and the leaves are perfect.

I am going to take your advice and spray my whole plant room, plenty of time these days on lockdown and I'm running out of things to do anyway!

Can you clarify what you mean by 5% alcohol?
Most of my catasetinae are still not being watered, so I still soak the media?

Thanks for the support!

Originally Posted by rbarata

Spider mites are microscopic organisms. I believe there's one specie that can be seen with a neked eye but in general they are too small for the human eye to see them. A magnifying glass of at least x10 is enough to notice them.

Another thing is, one can't get rid of mites. All the treatments are aimed in controlling their population, preventing their number to increase to a level that can be dangerous. But once one of your plants have them, assume that all of them are infestated.

Prepare a solution of 3 tablespoons of washdish soap per gallon of water + 5% alcohol. Spray the whole plant everywhere, medium included but especially on the under side of the leaves.
Wait 10 minutes and spray heavily and furiously water evreywhere on the plant (but without damaging it, an hand spray bpttle is good for it, you can spray directly and more closely the different areas of the plant.

Then repeat this "treatment" every 5 to 7 days for a month.

Then you'll have their population controlled. Ideally you should do it for all the plants you have, which is why spider mites are a #@!!.