Leaf Symptoms of Red Spider Mite Damage on Phalaenopsis and How to Eliminate Them

I suppose any friend who has kept plants at home knows that the vast majority of plants more or less attract small insects or small spiders. In some cases this is because the care environment was not handled properly, leading to bacterial growth, and in other cases it is because neighbors keep too many plants and the little bugs inadvertently fly over. However, the most annoying thing about these little bugs is that once they invade they never leave, and like vampires they suck all the nutrients out of the plant.

On the flower market, Phalaenopsis usually costs 50-80 yuan per pot. If it is inadvertently targeted by insects, the plant's condition will then deteriorate, which is very hard to bear, since after spending the money you naturally want to see beautiful flowers. When it comes to pests of Phalaenopsis, the number one killer is the "red spider mite." It counts as one of the most destructive pests, likes to hide on the underside of leaves, clusters in the gaps between leaf veins, and uses its needle-like mouth to pierce into the leaf and suck the sap. At first only small white spots appear on the leaves, and later brown patches form, as if the leaf were covered in "pockmarks," and afterward the leaves dry up and fall off. Moreover, red spider mites reproduce extremely fast; once the temperature rises, they can overrun everything in a few days.

So, what should you do if you find red spider mites on Phalaenopsis? First, you must isolate it. Even if there are only a few, move this pot of Phalaenopsis away separately, far from other plants. Because red spider mites crawl fast, if you do not isolate them, they can infect the other plants in your home within one or two days. After isolating it, first gently rinse the underside of the leaves with clean water to wash off some of the adults and eggs.

Second, you need to use pesticide, seizing the hatching period. Because the larvae of red spider mites have not yet grown hard shells, as long as you dilute the pesticide with water at the 2000-fold concentration stated in the instructions, you can hit them with one spray. When spraying, be sure to focus on the underside of the leaves and do not leave any dead corners. After spraying, wait 5-7 days and spray again, and with 2-3 consecutive sprays you can wipe out the larvae and eggs completely.

Finally, every time you spray pesticide you must take proper protective measures, wearing gloves and a mask, and do not let the spray splash onto your skin or into your eyes. After spraying, be sure to wash your hands with washing liquid, and place the plant in a ventilated spot outdoors to avoid inhaling the smell of the pesticide.