Spider Mites on F. benjamina?

16 years ago

I have had several ficus for years and have had very little trouble with them. I do have Brugsmansia, which perennially have spider mites, among other pests. One of my ficus looks like it could have spider mites but it's so difficult to tell in the early stages. Anyone else had any problems with them? I'm going to try to give it a shower, but, it's HUGE and I don't know if it will be possible, and spraying it with insecticidal soap may prove difficult as well.

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Comments (6)

ottawan_z5a
16 years ago
I don't think it is still "the early stages" any more. By now you should know if it has spider mites or something else. If still in doubt, take it to the shower tub area and spay it with insectcide soap as much as possible rather than doing nothing and waiting.
ottawan_z5a
16 years ago
Also check the links provided at the following location posted by 'girlfromthegarden' who tried to help Herman2 when no answer was coming to respond to his similar post.

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/fig/msg0523421331991.html?2

I hope you find something there about the spider Mites.
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Oh Boy.. You finally got MITES????! Congrats...lol Seriously. There was sone good suggestions here.. Thsi is what I do and I have yet to have a spider mite issue in my greenhouse, although that is not to say I don't have at least one mite in there.. In fact, when containing any kind of plant in any confined area, that is the chance we take and in fact quite common. Personally I thing every one of us folks that grows indoors has at least one pest or two. The key is to accept it, not to panic, never be disappointed if you think you rid them all and see on again, keep on top of them, never letting them take control, and prevention. I always keep a fan circulating the air in mine. I use a spray bottle, you know, the kind you spray pesticde out of, the big pump ones and spray my plants early in the a.m as frequent as possible. It keeps the air humid in there all day, keep the plants clean and discourages any pests.. The fan prevent disease problems and allows me to use water this way. I would not use all that Neem..It will eventually suffocate your plants if you use too much too often, including buds and new growth. I would use a good horticultural oil in a spray end bottle or one that attaches to a hose. Why don't you drain your hose so it won't freeze up or keep it stored inside until you use it again? That is what I do. I always have access to a hose even when it's below 0 Too, keep the area clean of debris and dead leaves, especially on the floor and on the shelves..I would also spay your pots and all surrounding area.. You should be able to fight this with ease//to be honest, i would rather have mite than scale or mealy.. Hopefully you have gained some good ideas from us here... P.s..Find a way to consistently spray down your leaves with water and keep a fan going..This alone will help prevent many issues! Mike
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chills71
16 years ago
I've had a problem with spidermites some winters on a couple of my passionflowers. Lavender lady and Vitifolia. Last winter I broke down and bought a systemic insecticide (made by Bonide). It works well for the passion flowers, it would probably work well for your ficus as well.

I wouldn't use it on a fruit producing plant, but a foliage plant like your ficus would probably be fine.

~Chills
gorgi
16 years ago
Chills,
Re: passionflowers, ever heard of the cultivar 'Maypop'?
I just bought some seeds. It is supposed to native to
east cost USA (most probably to the southern parts).
Most hardy, winter killed to ground, POPS up around May,
hence the name, grows up again to produce flowers
and edible-fruit same summer!? Same as the HC fig!?
Looking forward for some more exotic flowers/fruit...
George(NJ).
gorgi
16 years ago
sirmatthew,
Not sure if this was explained previously, spider mites
tend to flourish in VERY dry conditions. In very severe
infestations, you will see some webbing (like by spiders).
Misting with (possibly) soapy water will help. A good
water bath tub shower, as your thinking, (or otherwise)
should knock most of the bulk of them off to bug heaven...
chills71
16 years ago
gorgi...

Got a couple maypops in the yard. One of mine seems to be a cross of incarnata (maypop) and 'incense' as the flowers are more scented and the flowers display traits of both.

They come back year after year, but last year (their most productive) the fruit did not ripen fully before the summer had ended.

~Chills

Spider Mites on F. benjamina?

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ottawan_z5a

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