A curious Spaces user recently posted a photo of their houseplant covered in tiny specks, asking: “What are these microscopic things on my plant—and how do I get rid of them?”
Find your community on Spaces here.
If you've noticed similar signs—discoloured leaves, fine webbing, or speckling—there’s a good chance spider mites are to blame. These nearly invisible pests thrive indoors, where they face few natural predators, and they’re especially drawn to plants that are already stressed from under-watering, over-watering, or poor nutrition.
Here’s what you should know about spotting and stopping spider mites
Step 1: Identify the problem
- Look for moving dots on your plant (usually red, brown or pale in colour).
- Check for fine webbing on leaves and stems.
- Inspect for speckled, discoloured or dry-looking leaves.
Step 2: Isolate and clean
- Isolate affected plants to prevent spread.
- Rinse leaves leaves with a strong stream of water, especially the undersides, to dislodge mites.
- Wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth if the infestation is light.
Step 3: Use natural remedies
- Insecticidal soap: Safe for most plants and effective when sprayed thoroughly.
- Neem oil: Acts as a pesticide and disrupts the mite cycle.
- Rubbing alcohol: Mix one part alcohol to four parts water and spray or dab infested areas.
- Homemade spray: Mix water with a few drops of dish soap (no degreasers or antibacterial) and spray the plant.
Step 4: Adjust growing conditions
- Increase humidity around the plant through mist or humidifier.
- Avoid letting the plant become stressed or too dry.
- Keep plants clean and dust-free.
Prevention tips for spider mites
With a few simple adjustments to your plant’s growing environment—and a bit of extra attention—you can prevent spider mites from taking hold. Maintain moderate humidity, water appropriately, and ensure good airflow around your plants. Always inspect new plants before bringing them indoors, and make a habit of wiping down leaves and checking regularly for pests.
