Bad spider mite damage

[CarnivorousPlanter]

Hi all,

I noticed some plants not doing too hot and didn't look very close until today, and it seems I have what looks to be spider mite damage. I think they started on a dendrochilum magnum and all the new growth is basically gone, and I think it spread to a masdevalia and scaphosepalum. However, looking closely at the leaves I see what looks like a ton of mite bodies and none seem to be moving, so I think they all somehow died? Anyhow, the dendrochilum is looking pretty terrible, and I was wondering if anyone has experience with this and advice on how to get it back to health. A lot of the old leaves were mostly spared, but this seasons growth is 75% dead. Also, are the black spots related to the mites, or is there also a fungal or mold disease involved?

[CarnivorousPlanter]

Is it possible that I have some sort of fungus that appears like tons of little red and white dead mite bodies? I don't know why all the mites would spontaneously die. I'm growing in standard home windowsill conditions (mid 70s, morning sun, low/mid humidity)

[estación seca]

There might be mite damage, but I also wonder about dissolved minerals in the water, high temperatures and low humidity. What are your growing conditions for these? Temperatures? Relative humidity? What kind of water are you using, and how often?

I treat mites with either 70% alcohol spray or a weak soap solution. Cover all exposed surfaces and the top of the medium. One might argue that for more delicate plants like these an insecticidal soap (potassium soap) would be better than dish detergent (sodium soap or detergent.)

Mites are uncommon with high humidity and cooler temperatures. They like low humidity and high temperatures. A weekly spraying of water will keep them under control. Most terrariums with a misting or spray system don't have spider mite problems because of the high humidity and frequent wetting of the plants.

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[2009zohsix]

Originally Posted by estación seca

There might be mite damage, but I also wonder about dissolved minerals in the water, high temperatures and low humidity. What are your growing conditions for these? Temperatures? Relative humidity? What kind of water are you using, and how often?

I treat mites with either 70% alcohol spray or a weak soap solution. Cover all exposed surfaces and the top of the medium. One might argue that for more delicate plants like these an insecticidal soap (potassium soap) would be better than dish detergent (sodium soap or detergent.)

Mites are uncommon with high humidity and cooler temperatures. They like low humidity and high temperatures. A weekly spraying of water will keep them under control. Most terrariums with a misting or spray system don't have spider mite problems because of the high humidity and frequent wetting of the plants.

As a newbie to the orchid world, these types of postings are invaluable. Thank you to the posters and to the forum.