spider mite

How To Remove Spider Mites On Succulents

Owning succulents and having a succulent garden is a very rewarding gardening style that requires very little other than the bare minimum. However, they are susceptible to unwanted pests that can potentially harm or damage your succulents. Like most plants, there may be signs of destruction that indicate an infestation of spider mites on succulents.

Whitefly, mealybugs, scale, weevils, and spider mites are some of the most common. It can be difficult to see certain pests to the naked eye, but the damage they cause is more than visible. Preparing your succulent garden can be crucial, especially if you own a large garden. Once an infestation has begun it is extremely hard to manage and can ultimately lead to throwing away your plants entirely.

Dealing With Spider Mites On Succulents

Webbing and small brown spots on younger growth are some of the first signs of a spider mite infestation. Spider mites on succulents or cacti feed off of the plant’s juices through the plump membrane of the foliage. Mites are barely considered insects because of how microscopic they are. You have to look very closely to even notice these pests in the first place but once you’re aware you’ll want to be rid of them immediately. A variety of different species of mites can flock to your succulents if unchecked. Maintaining a balance with your succulents isn’t as hard as you think it is.

There are simple ways such as Insecticide soaps, and systemic or contact insecticides are several choices. If you have red spider mites on your succulents this can attract even more pests. Natural predators, such as the larger red spider mite, will devour the tinier prey. These types of mites are referred to as eriophyid mites, having only two legs compared to spider mites that have four. Although it may seem like a great idea to keep them around, it is difficult to maintain the health of your plant. Frequently misting your succulents is a great natural remedy to this problem since these mites despise humidity. Finally, use a miticide as a last resort to thoroughly cleanse your plants from pests.

Throw Away Succulents If Left Untreated Or Neglected

Even though succulents do require very little to maintain, they still need attention to help prevent future problems. This simply means watering, pruning dead foliage, and proper sunlight can increase the longevity of your plants without insecticides or chemicals. Do constant checkups on your plants, examine the foliage, and look for anything that needs help. It can be easy to forget, but your plants will love you the more attention you can give them.

Unfortunately, not all plants are going to be salvageable, which means you’ll have to discard them properly. Placing your contaminated plants in a plastic bag before throwing them away or incinerating the plant completely is ideal. You want to destroy or be rid of as many mites as possible to prevent more spider mites on succulents. Certain frost-resistant aloes and other succulents can remain outside in freezing temperatures which helps kill and prevent pests. Keeping all of this in mind will help your plants thrive and maintain for the years to come.

Cody Medina
Small Scale Farmer
Hi there! I'm Cody, a staff writer here at The Garden Magazine and a small-scale farmer living in Oregon. I've been gardening most of my life and now live on a quarter-acre farmstead with chickens, ducks, and a big garden.