Are you looking to grow snake plants in your garden, but you are worried about spider mites? If so, read this article thoroughly, and you will find an answer to your question.
The snake plant is a hardy and easy-to-care-for succulent that can be grown indoors and outdoors. It is tolerant of low light conditions and can even thrive in indirect sunlight. It is also drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for those who often forget to water their plants. But in some cases, the snake plant can attract pests and insects that can cause harm and severe damage.
In this article, we are going to see whether snake plants can attract spider mites or not. And what you should do if this happens.
Spider mites are one of the most destructive pests that can attack plants. They are tiny and barely visible to the naked eye, but they can do much damage. They suck the sap out of the leaves, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. The plant will become stunted and may even die. That’s why preventing spider mites from getting to your plant is essential.
Table of Contents
Can Snake Plant Get Spider Mites?
Snake plant does not get spider mites. In fact, the snake plant is a tough succulent that rarely attracts insects such as spider mites. In fact, the structure of this plant and its capacity to accumulate less dust make it one of the most resistant plants to spider mites and bugs in general.
Spider mites are tiny creatures that thrive in dusty environments. They are attracted to the dust that accumulates on the leaves and uses it as a food source. The tough and leathery leaves of snake plants make it difficult for spider mites to penetrate and feed on them.
Spider mites will most likely infest a stressed snake plant or not get enough water. Spider mites can also be a sign of insect infestation. These spiders suck the nutrients from leaves, leaving them dry and deformed.
A snake plant infested by spider mites will experience discoloration and brown spots on the leaves. The plant will become weak and eventually die. Mites usually attack the newer growths of the plant and can be seen on the undersides of leaves.
When spider mites infest a snake plant, they can also cause damage by sucking the sap from the leaves. This can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually drop off the plant.
To get rid of spider mites, check out the following video:
Read our article about Why Your Snake Plant May be Lacking Roots and How to Fix It
How Do I Know if My Snake Plant Has Spider Mites?
If you want to know if your snake plant has spider mites, check for spots on the top of the leaves or web clusters. In the case of severe infestation, the leaves may become yellow, and the plant will look scorched.
To help you identify spider mites quickly on your snake plant, we grouped all the signs that indicate the presence of this insect in the following list.
Spots on The Top of The Leaves
The brown spots on the top of snake plants indicate the presence of spider mites. These tiny pests feed on the plant’s sap, causing the leaves to turn brown and eventually die.
Yellow Leaves
Spider mites can also cause the leaves of snake plants to turn yellow. The mites pierce the leaves and suck out the plant’s sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and eventually die.
Web Clusters on The Leaves
One of the tell-tale signs of a spider mite infestation is the presence of web clusters on the plant’s leaves. The spider mites produce these web clusters to protect themselves from predators and to create a place to lay their eggs. The web clusters also help the spider mites collect food, as they can trap small insects and other organisms.
Live Spider Mite on The Plant
Spider mites are difficult to see with the naked eye, but they leave behind tell-tale signs of their presence, such as small, pale dots on the leaves. To confirm the presence of spider mites, hold a white sheet of paper beneath a leaf and tap it gently. If spider mites are present, you will see small moving dots on the form.
Click Here to Read our Comprehensive Guide about The Right Pot Size for Your Snake Plant
How Do You Get Rid of Spider Mites on Snake Plants?
To get rid of spider mites on snake plant you can follow an organic approach and use predatory mites or you can use a chemical approach and apply miticides. To use a miticide you should follow the instructions below in the exact order:
1. Isolate the Plant
By isolating the plant from other plants in your garden you will help prevent the spread of the infestation. This can be done by placing the infested plant in a plastic bag or container.
2. Prune out Sections with Visible Webbing
It is important to prune out any sections of the plant that are infested to prevent the spread of the infestation and keep the plant healthy.
3. Spray Your Plant with Natural Miticide
Spider mites are difficult to control with pesticides because they reproduce quickly and resist many pesticides. However, spraying plants with a miticide can help to control spider mites and prevent them from causing damage.
The best composition of a miticide to use against spider mites is one that contains the active ingredient fenbutatin oxide. This substance is effective at killing spider mites and their eggs, and it is also relatively safe for use around humans and animals.
If you are not fun of the chemical approach you can use predatory mites to get rid of spider mites. In fact, predatory mites are a great way to fight bugs and mites on plants. They are tiny creatures that live off of other bugs and mites, so they are a natural and effective way to get rid of pests.
You can purchase predatory mites at most garden stores, or you can order them online. Once you have them, simply release them onto your plants and they will do the work immediately.
Holes in Your Snake Plant Leaves? Click Here to Discover What Could Be Causing It and How to Fix It
How to Prevent Spider Mites on Snake Plants?
Some simple things you can do to prevent spider mites on snake plant include: keeping your plants healthy and stress-free, regularly cleaning your garden tools, and using a fine-mesh screen on your vents and windows.
Spider mites can do a lot of damage to your plants. They are especially fond of plants that are already stressed, so it’s important to take preventive actions to keep them away.
Cleaning the leaves of your snake plant is another preventive measure to keep spider mites away. To do so, start by spraying the plant with water. Then, using a soft cloth or brush, gently wipe the leaves to remove any dirt or debris. Next, mix a solution of 1 part water and 1 part vinegar, and use this to wipe down the leaves. Finally, rinse the leaves with clean water.
Increasing humidity around your plant can also help keep spider mites away as these species like dry environments.
One of the easiest ways to improve humidity around your snake plant is to use a humidifier. There are several different types of humidifiers and they can be used in the bedroom, bathroom, or any other room.
Another way to increase humidity around your snake plant is to mist it with water. You can also put your plant in a tray of water and pebbles. The water will evaporate and make the environment around the plant more humid.
Is Your Snake Plant Getting Too Tall? Read Our Article to Find out The Causes and How to Fix It
