How To Get Rid Of Spider Mites on Your Houseplants

Spider mites are one of the most common and frustrating pests plant lovers face. These tiny arachnids can quietly damage your tropical houseplants, often going unnoticed until leaves fade, curl, or die. If you suspect an infestation, it’s important to act fast. Here’s everything you need to know about spider mites, how to get rid of them, and how to keep them from coming back.

What Are Spider Mites?

Spider mites are microscopic arachnids (related to spiders and ticks) that feed on the sap of plants. They puncture leaf cells, sucking out nutrients and moisture, which leads to a speckled or faded appearance. Because of their size, often less than 1 mm, they’re easy to overlook until a full-blown infestation sets in. The most common type found on houseplants is the two-spotted spider mite, recognizable by two dark spots on its back.

What Kinds of Plants Get Spider Mites?

Spider mites aren’t picky. They can infest almost any indoor plant, but they seem to prefer plants with broad, thin leaves like those in the Araliaceae, Marantaceae, and Apocynaceae families. They thrive in warm, dry environments, which means your cozy, heated home in winter can be the perfect breeding ground.

Early Signs of Spider Mites

Spotting spider mites early can save your plant, but they’re typically too small to see. Watch for these warning signs:

• Tiny white or yellow speckles on leaves (stippling)
• A fine, silky webbing between leaves or along stems
• Leaves are looking dull or dusty despite recent cleaning
• Leaves are drying up and falling off the plants
• Slowed growth or reduced vibrancy
• Plants become weak and start dying

If you suspect mites, try the white paper test: hold a sheet of paper under a leaf and gently shake it. If you see tiny moving dots, you’ve got spider mites.

Later Signs of Spider Mites

Left untreated, spider mites can cause:

• Yellowing and browning of leaves
• Curling or shriveled leaves that fall off
• Dense webbing around stems and leaf joints
• A plant that looks dry, weak, or sick

The damage is often extensive at this stage, and it may be difficult for the plant to fully recover.

Will Spider Mites Kill a Plant?

Spider mites can kill a plant if the infestation is severe or left untreated. They deprive the plant of nutrients, weakening it until it can no longer photosynthesize effectively. However, if caught early, most plants can bounce back with proper care and treatment.

Can Spider Mites Spread to Other Plants?

Spider mites are notorious for spreading quickly. They can crawl from plant to plant or even travel through the air on tiny threads of silk. That’s why isolating affected plants is essential when you notice a problem.

How Do You Get Rid of Spider Mites on Plants?

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Spider Mites

1. Introduce Beneficial Insects

Biological control is one of the most effective long-term solutions for the treatment and prevention of spider mites. The best way to do this is by introducing beneficial insects that eat the mites. We like Koppert’s products for this:

• Spidex (Phytoseiulus persimilis) works well in humid environments.
• Spical (Neoseiulus californicus) is better suited for ambient or fluctuating humidity conditions.
• These products come in bottle and sachet form: use the bottles to release an army of hungry adults for an active infestation, and the sachets as a preventive measure (these gradually release the beneficial mites over time). 

2. Try A Natural Spray Remedy

You can make a homemade spray to kill spider mites on contact and help clean the leaves. Here’s a recipe we love that works well for mild-to-moderate infestations:

DIY Spider Mite Spray Recipe

• 2 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)
• 1 cup 70% isopropyl alcohol
• 1 gallon purified water
• ½ cup Dr. Bronner’s Castile Hemp Tea Tree Soap
• ½ cup Dr. Bronner’s Castile Hemp Peppermint Soap

Mix well and spray on affected plants (test on a small area first). The alcohol and hydrogen peroxide kill mites on contact, while the soap helps the mixture stick to the leaves and disrupts the mites’ protective coatings.

3. Use An Organic Insecticide

If you’re hesitant about using beneficial insects and/or your homemade spray isn’t working, you can try an organic insecticide. We love PureCrop1, which is not only a natural, plant-based insecticide, but also an anti-fungal and a bio-stimulant–it actually helps your plant’s roots grow, reduces stress, and increases brix levels. 

• Use it weekly as a preventative measure to help keep spider mites, fungi, and other pests at bay.
• It’s safe for regular use on both foliage and roots.

How Can You Prevent Spider Mites on Plants?

Even the most cautious plant owners can’t avoid spider mites at times. But you can take a few measures to reduce the likelihood of them making an appearance. In addition to the preventive measures listed above, be sure to: 

• Regularly inspect your plants, especially the undersides of leaves.
• Wipe foliage with a damp cloth weekly to remove dust and potential pests.
• Maintain proper humidity because spider mites love dry air.
• Quarantine new plants for at least two weeks before placing them near others.
• Keep plants healthy with adequate watering, nutrition, and airflow.

Visit Our Online Tropical Houseplants Store Today

Don’t let spider mites ruin your plant collection. Shop healthy, vibrant tropicals from The Rare Leaf Addict, grown and cared for in optimal conditions. Whether you’re replacing a damaged plant or expanding your indoor jungle, we’ve got unique, pest-free houseplants ready to thrive in your home. Visit our online store to find your next rare plant obsession, and keep your collection growing strong!