Spider mites on palm can be a serious condition that could eventually kill your plant if left unchecked. In just a few weeks, your palm could turn from hale and hearty to ragged, weak, and spindly.
Fortunately, there are ways that you can treat spider mite infestations on palm plants. Here is a short guide on how to spot these pests and the solutions to get rid of spider mites.
Can Palm Recover From Spider Mites?
Spider mites are persistent pests that can affect nearly every plant in your garden. What makes spider mites difficult to treat is that you won’t usually see them at first, but once these tiny insects gain a foothold on your plant then the infestation and damage can spread quickly.
Palm trees, shrubs, and indoor plants can recover from a spider mite attack, but they will need help from you. The sooner you’re able to detect these pests, the faster you can act and get rid of them. You will need to put forth a concerted effort for about a week or so, but it shouldn’t be too hard, and you can use several household items in your kitchen to eliminate spider mites on palm.
Damage Caused by Spider Mites to Your Palm
Spider mites may be nearly invisible to the naked eye, but they leave telltale damage so you can identify the pest the moment you see them.
Some signs of spider mite infestation include palm discoloration and stippling, fine webbing, and a rough foliage texture. The fronds start to curl and turn yellow or gray, and depending on the severity of the infestation, they quickly decay and dry.
Early detection and treatment of spider mites are important if you want your palm to recover quickly. The faster you determine the reason why your palm plants are sick, the higher your chances of saving them. Fortunately, spider mites are not fast killers and they will leave indications that your plant is suffering from an attack.
Three Ways to Get Rid of Spider Mites on Palm
Neem Oil
Neem oil is classified as horticultural oil, which means it’s organic and safe to use. If you’re looking to get rid of spider mites on your palm using a pet- and child-friendly solution, then you should definitely try this.
The right amount of oil to the water for neem oil spraying should be listed on the product label. Load it up in a spray bottle, then spray liberally on your palm leaves, stems, and the soil. Repeat several more times to eliminate the pest and keep it from coming back.
Soap and Water
Soap and water is a cheap and effective anti-spider mite solution. It’s fairly easy to do, and chances are that you already have what you need in your kitchen or pantry.
Generally, you’ll want to put a few drops of liquid soap, such as dawn on a spray bottle and fill up the rest with water. Put the spray on and apply it to your palm shrub or plant. The soap acts as an irritant and will erode the spider mite’s shell and protective covering.
Insecticidal Spray
Lastly, you can buy any insecticidal soap solution or spray and apply it to your palm leaves to eliminate spider mites and other pests. There are many different kinds of products on the market, but you’ll do best with a miticide or one that’s specially designed to kill spider mites.
As always, follow the instructions on the bottle or packaging so you won’t harm your plant. You may also need to apply or spray several times depending on the severity of the infestation.