The spider mite is a tiny spider-like critter that feeds on the juices of plants.
It’s not easy to spot, as it’s usually too small for humans to see without a magnifying glass or microscope.
With succulents being so popular right now, spider mites have been having an easier time finding food sources and reproducing at alarming rates.
In this article, we will go over how spider mites reproduce and find their way onto your succulent plant to provide you with tips on how to get rid of them!
What Are Spider Mites
Spider mites are spider-like creatures that can be found all over the world.
They have a spider shape and eight legs, but they’re not actually spidering, so don’t worry!
Their names come from their appearance because when viewed under a microscope, you will see them moving very quickly across your succulent plants.
You might notice these spider mites by seeing small dots or white spots on the leaves of your succulent.
These spots indicate where spider mite eggs have been laid, which will turn into more spider mites in just a few days if left untreated.
There are many different spider mite species in the world, but they all share similar characteristics. They look like spider-like insects with their oval body and long legs.
The two most common spider mites that feed on succulents are the “two-spotted spider mite” (which has spots) and the “spider mite,” which does not have any markings at all.
These succulent pests can be identified by looking for excellent webbing around your plant’s leaves or stems if there is a severe infestation of spider mites present.
Although this isn’t always visible to the naked eye, other methods should also be used to discover an infestation of spider mites.
Spider Mites do damage by piercing individual plant cells with their mouthparts and injecting toxins. They then suck out the contents of that cell, leaving a tiny white/yellow spot in its place.
What Causes Spider Mites on Succulents
Spider mites are an incredibly common problem for succulents.
They can be caused by spider mite eggs laid on the plant before they become an adult or spider mite larvae that hatch into spider mites after being carried over to another succulent from your houseplants, pets, clothing, etc.
Spider mite populations thrive in hot and dry conditions.
High spider mite populations also occur when there is little to no air circulation, making it even easier for them to spread their spores quickly from one succulent plant to the next.
Spider mites are bugs attracted to succulents with weak immune systems. Spider mites will start to appear more often on succulents that are not receiving enough sunlight or are being overwatered.
They are also much more likely to appear if you are growing succulents in a humid environment, like inside your home.
How Do I Know if My Succulent Has Spider Mites
Spider mite webbing is the most obvious indicator that your plant has spider mites on it and should not be ignored.
It will usually look like fine spider webs near where you water your succulents or at the leaf joints (where new leaves emerge).
They are off-white with tiny dots around them – these are eggs of spider mites that hatch into larvae within hours!
This is why early detection of spider mites is crucial; if one egg hatches, there could easily be hundreds of spider mites on your succulent in a matter of days.
Spider mites can also be identified by their small spider-like bodies, the fact that they are usually on your succulent plants and not other ones in your home.
They will live between leaves or under them if there isn’t any spider webbing yet – this is why it’s essential to check for spider mites regularly!
Signs of Spider Mites on Succulents
The most common signs of spider mites on succulents are:
- Spider webbing on the leaves of a plant or between two plants
- Yellowing and discoloration of leaves
- Plant drooping or wilting
- White spots appearing on your leaves
- Fine spider-like webbing on the soil of your plant
- Fall off of succulent leaves
- Stunt growth on your succulent plant
While spider mites are not dangerous for humans, they can cause severe damage to plants.
If you see any of these signs in your houseplant or garden, immediately check the leaves and the soil for spider webbing.
What Damages Does Spider Mites Cause on Succulents
Spider mites are spider-like creatures that live on the leaves of succulents and eat away at their tissue.
The spider mite feeds by piercing a hole in the cells of the tissue with their mouthparts while simultaneously sucking out plant juices.
This causes a cast to form, which is similar to leaf scorch or potassium deficiency symptoms. Only cast formation happens much faster than either of these problems would take place over time.
As the spider mites continue feeding, they cause yellow speckling all over its upper surface before finally turning brown from damage due to loss of chlorophyll (the green substance).
After this point, any more pressure or stress will kill your plant entirely as it can no longer transport water up through its stem because there isn’t enough chlorophyll to keep water in circulation.
Spider mites are also known to spread spider plant diseases, which eventually travel down the entire length of your succulent.
If you have spider plants in general outside of being on an outdoor garden or indoor succulents that come into contact with other plants, then spider mite infection is likely inevitable unless prevented by adequate checks and balances.
How To Treat Spider Mites on Succulents
To treat and get rid of spider mites on succulents, there are specific spider mite remedies available.
The following are some of the easiest spider mite treatments.
Pruning
Pruning spider mites on succulents is one of the easiest spider mite remedies.
When you see spider mites, remove any infected leaves from your plant and destroy them immediately by putting them in a sealed plastic bag or burning it with fire.
Insecticidal Soap Spray
Insecticidal soap sprays are among the most effective spider mite treatments for getting rid of spider mites on succulent plants.
Mixing insecticide soap spray at home ensures that you use only natural substances which can be used to control these pests without harming your plant.
To make an organic spider mite treatment, mix water and mild dishwashing liquid (remember NOT to use anti-bacterial dishwashing liquids) into a container filled with five gallons of water.
Spray this spider mite control solution until it drips from the plant leaves, or use a spray bottle to apply spider mite remedies directly onto spider mites and other infested areas of your succulent plants.
Neem Oil Spider Mite Treatment
Neem oil spider mite treatment is an organic solution that can be used as spider mites on succulents.
This pesticide-free spider mite remedy contains natural ingredients, making it safe for pets and family members while effectively controlling spider mites.
It penetrates deep into the leaf surface to kill eggs, nymphs, and adults along with their webs too!
However, neem oil should not come in contact with the eyes, so you have to take care while applying this product around your spider mites.
Flush Them Out with Water
Spider mites on succulents can be drowned out by spraying spider plant water onto them.
Make spider mite control spray and flush spider mites off your plants immediately after you identify these pests so they do not cause further damage to the leaves of your growing succulent plants.
Flush spider mites with a strong jet of water from a hose pipe or showerhead for immediate relief!
Alcohol Spider Mite Treatment
An easy spider mite remedy is to apply rubbing alcohol on spider mites.
Just put some Isopropyl Alcohol or Rubbing Alcohol in a spray bottle and spray the plant thoroughly, making sure you get both undersides of leaves too!
When using this spider mite control technique for effective spider mite removal, ensure plants are not under direct sunlight.
Diatomaceous Earth for Spider Mites
Diatomaceous earth spider mite treatment can be used to get rid of spider mites on succulents effectively.
Diatomaceous earth spider mite remedy is non-toxic and an effective method for spider control in most plants!
Sprinkle a thin layer (about two tablespoons) around the base of your plant, especially under leaves where you spot these pests often.
This diatom soil works by scratching their exoskeleton and dehydrating them slowly without harming any living part of the plant!
However, make sure that you do not let the water come into contact with this powder or lose its effectiveness as a pesticide.
Beneficial Insects to Control Spider Mites
Beneficial insects like ladybugs, green lacewings, and praying mantis can be used for spider mite control on succulents.
These natural predators feed themselves on spider mites, so they are great friends of any garden!
To attract spider mite predators, you can grow flowers and herbs such as dill, fennel, clover, or other flowering plants that are known to be spider mite-repellent.
Mouthwash Spider Mite Treatment
Mouthwash spider mite treatment is an effective pest control option for succulents.
Just mix one part mouthwash with nine parts water and spray this solution directly on spider mites to get rid of them without harming any plant!
Mouthwash contains chemicals that kill the spider mites by disrupting their digestive system or dehydrating them instantly.
However, make sure you do not disturb or place these plants under direct sunlight when applying any spider mite remedy!
How To Prevent Spider Mites on Succulents
Prevention is the best way to get spider mites off your succulents. Here are some tips on how to prevent spider mites from attacking your plants:
- Keep them indoors in a closed room, away from pests and other insects.
- Make sure there is enough ventilation for airflow inside of the enclosure they’re kept in. Spider Mites can’t breed if there isn’t any humidity or water available for them.
- Make sure to water them only when the soil is dry. Do not overwater spider mites on succulents, as this will encourage spider mite infestation.
- Make sure to use a good quality soil that drains water and air well.
- Keep infested succulents away from other plants, as spider mite infestation can be highly contagious.
- Once spider mites are spotted, isolate the infested plant for at least a week.
The best way to prevent spider mites is to inspect your plants regularly.
Once spider mite pest infestation occurs, it will spread quickly throughout the entire garden if one succulent has spider mites and they’re not taken care of in time.
Spider mite infestation is a common problem for succulent owners, as spider mites can be highly contagious.
Final Thoughts
Like other common succulent pests such as mealybugs, aphids, and scale, spider mites can usually be controlled easily.
Spider mites on succulents can be dealt with quickly and easily.
Not only does spider mite damage look terrible, but spider mites also suck the life out of your plants.
If you have spider mites on succulents, don’t hesitate to deal with them as soon as possible before they destroy your succulents.
It is essential to be consistent in your spider mite prevention and spider mite treatment.
If you do not treat the infestation, it will continue to get worse until there is nothing left of your succulents or spider mites have spread all over your house!
