The hop mite is a real enemy of potted plants. Not only does it appear unexpectedly, it multiplies quickly and can quickly destroy our cultivated species. In addition, it is practically invisible – it measures only a few millimeters, so it escapes among the thickets of leaves, but it is extremely dangerous. Although it is unlikely that it would be active in spring and summer, it can make itself known only in autumn and winter. How do you recognize the hop mite? How to fight against him? Let’s find out.
Hop mite: How to recognize the enemy?
A mite is an arachnid that is microscopic in size but can be very annoying. Why? Because it sucks the cell sap from the stems and leaves, causing the rapid death of our cultivated plants. It can be transparent, black, red or green in color, so sometimes it can be practically invisible when it starts to appear. It settles either on the underside of the leaves, but it also builds a dense web in the nooks and crannies where it does its destructive work. The worst thing is that mites are not satisfied with just one plant in the house. If they have favorable conditions, they will spread very quickly to other species collected in the house. Begonias, dracaenas, scapulas, ficuses and other plants with green leaves do not escape his attention.
Look at the plant: a mite is lurking there
It is known that this enemy of our plants is sometimes invisible, so it is difficult to recognize it. But how can you tell if a mite is running between the pots? During the heating season, there is nothing left but to check the plants daily for uninvited guests. They usually hide on the underside of the leaf and appear as colored spots. If they have multiplied significantly, they build spider webs, which are usually found at the base of the leaf that joins the stem, although they can be found in other nooks and crannies. If the mite attacks our plants, they lose their vitality: their leaves may turn yellow and look as if they are wilting.
How to get rid of a mite? Do not intervene aggressively right away
Moisture is the enemy of dust mitesso you can take advantage of this fact right away. To get rid of this pest, sometimes just sprinkle the leaves with clean water every day or shower them every week. Before resorting to the second method, you need to protect the root ball from excessive flooding, as this can worsen the condition of your plant. On the other hand, if you want to get rid of the mite, you can also proceed comprehensively, i.e increase the humidity in the roomwhere the pest occurs. How can this be done? For example using air humidifiers or by placing flower pots filled with water and expanded clay.
Reach for natural methods: the mite will disappear
If the mite does not give up and returns despite attempts, you need to look for other methods of treatment. What can help? One method is to spray the plant liberally with clean water at the beginning, then cover it tightly with a plastic bag and leave it there for two days. If that doesn’t help either, you have to make one home sprays: e.g. with garlic, onion or gray soap solution. Many people recommend mixing essential oils, e.g. rosemary, citrus, lavender or clove, in a liter of water.
Radical methods: when there are too many mites
If home and organic methods do not work on the mite, you have to resort to means purchased in gardening stores or home improvement stores. Remember that they should be used as a last resort or when the colony has spread to many plants. Why? Because such measures are not indifferent to our health or to the condition of, for example, our pets.
Also remember the universal rule: if you saw a mite on one plant, you need to check if it is also lurking on others in the house. When you have only one infested plant, you should separate it from the others.
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