Spider Mites on Plants: Signs, Causes & How to Get Rid of Them
Learn how to spot spider mites, understand the damage they cause, and take practical steps to protect your plant.
What Are Spider Mites?
Spider mites are extremely small plant-feeding mites, not true insects. The two-spotted spider mite is a common species that can attack many kinds of plants. They feed by piercing plant tissue and removing plant fluids, which creates the tiny speckled appearance often seen on infested leaves.
Because individual mites are difficult to see without magnification, an infestation may become noticeable through leaf damage before you actually see the pests.
What Do Spider Mites Look Like?
Spider mites are usually tiny oval-shaped creatures with yellowish, greenish, amber, or reddish coloring depending on species and life stage. Two-spotted spider mites can have two dark spots on their bodies. Adults are only around 1/50 of an inch long, so close inspection or a hand lens can help.
Fine webbing is more likely to appear when an infestation becomes heavy. Webbing together with stippled or yellowing foliage is a useful clue.
Signs of Spider Mites on Plants
Why Do Spider Mites Appear?
Spider mites often become more troublesome when plants are stressed, particularly in warm, dry conditions. Indoor environments can also favor them when air is dry and plants are not being checked regularly.
They can also spread between plants, especially when an infested plant is placed close to healthy plants or when tools, hands, clothing, or plant material move between them.
How to Check for Spider Mites
Start by checking the undersides of leaves, especially leaves showing pale speckling. A hand lens can make the mites easier to see.
- Look closely at the underside of damaged leaves.
- Check for fine webbing around leaves, stems, and growing points.
- Hold a white sheet of paper beneath a suspicious leaf.
- Gently tap the leaf and look for tiny moving specks on the paper.
- Inspect nearby plants for similar symptoms.
Spider Mites vs. Other Plant Problems
| What you notice | Possible clue | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny pale speckles across leaves | Spider mites | Leaf undersides and moving specks |
| Speckling plus fine webbing | Spider mites are more likely | Webbing and mite activity |
| General yellowing without pests | Watering, light or nutrient issues | Soil, light and overall care |
| Wilting with very dry soil | Underwatering may be involved | Soil moisture and root condition |
How to Get Rid of Spider Mites
Early action can make an infestation easier to manage. Start with physical removal and plant care before reaching for stronger treatments.
Isolate the affected plant
Move a suspected infested plant away from healthy plants to reduce the chance of spreading the problem.
Wash the foliage
A strong but plant-safe stream of water can dislodge mites and remove some webbing. Pay attention to leaf undersides.
Remove badly damaged leaves when appropriate
If leaves are severely damaged or declining, removing them can reduce the amount of affected plant material. Avoid removing healthy foliage unnecessarily.
Improve plant conditions
Keep the plant properly watered without overwatering, provide suitable light, and avoid unnecessary environmental stress.
Consider an appropriate treatment
Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils are commonly used against spider mites. These products work mainly when they directly contact the mites, so thorough coverage and repeat applications may be needed. Always follow the product label.
Keep monitoring
Check the plant and nearby plants regularly. New growth is especially useful for judging whether the problem is continuing.
Can Spider Mites Kill a Plant?
A mild infestation may mainly cause cosmetic damage, but severe feeding can stunt growth and seriously weaken a plant. Heavy infestations can lead to bronzing, leaf drop, and in extreme cases plant death.
The sooner you identify the problem and reduce the mite population, the better the chance of protecting new growth.
Spider Mites on Common Houseplants
Monstera
Check the undersides of large leaves and around crowded growth. Pale stippling, fading, and webbing can be warning signs.
Pothos
Inspect the undersides of leaves and the areas where leaves and stems meet. New growth can help you monitor whether the infestation is improving.
Philodendron
Spider mites can affect philodendrons, so inspect foliage regularly, especially when indoor conditions are warm and dry.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Look closely at both sides of the large leaves. Speckling, discoloration, and webbing deserve further inspection.
How to Prevent Spider Mites
- Inspect new plants before placing them near your existing collection.
- Quarantine suspicious or newly acquired plants when practical.
- Check leaf undersides regularly rather than waiting for visible webbing.
- Keep plants properly watered and avoid prolonged drought stress.
- Keep leaves clean when appropriate for the plant.
- Monitor plants more closely during warm, dry periods.
- Avoid unnecessary broad-spectrum pesticide use that can harm beneficial predators.
Not Sure What’s Wrong With Your Plant?
Use PlantySolve’s plant problem resources to compare symptoms, possible causes, and practical next steps.
Explore Plant Problems →