Succulents, despite their reputation as hardy, low-maintenance plants, are susceptible to infestations by tiny pests, including spider mites. These mites are arachnids, related to spiders and ticks, not insects. They are common houseplant pests, thriving in dry, low-humidity conditions, which mirrors the environment many succulents prefer indoors. Spider mites feed on the plant’s sap, causing damage that weakens the succulent over time. Their prevalence increases significantly during winter when home heating systems create a warm, arid atmosphere that encourages reproduction.
How to Identify a Spider Mite Infestation
The first evidence of a spider mite problem is the visual damage caused by their feeding. As these pests extract cell contents, they leave behind minute, chlorotic spots on the leaf surface, known as stippling. This damage appears as tiny yellow, tan, or brown specks, often concentrated on older foliage before spreading across the plant.
A more advanced infestation is characterized by fine, silk-like webbing, which gives the pests their common name. Mites use this delicate silk to move between leaves and stems, often observed where leaves meet the stem or on new growth. If the infestation is severe, the entire plant may appear dusty or bronzed, as the webbing forms a protective layer over colonies and eggs.
The mites themselves are incredibly small, often measuring less than 1/50th of an inch, making them difficult to see without magnification. They look like minute, moving dots that can be pale, reddish-brown, or green. A simple diagnostic technique is to tap a suspect leaf over a piece of white paper; if mites are present, tiny specks will fall onto the paper and begin to crawl.
Immediate Treatment and Eradication Methods
Upon confirming an infestation, immediately isolate the infected succulent from all other plants to prevent spreading. Spider mites are easily carried between plants on air currents, clothing, or shared tools, making quarantine the necessary first step. Since the spider mite life cycle can be completed in as little as two weeks, repeated treatments are necessary to eliminate newly hatched mites.
Physical removal is an effective initial step, involving a strong, but gentle, jet of water to dislodge mites from the plant’s surface. Spray thoroughly, focusing on the undersides of leaves and all crevices where mites hide, while being careful to avoid overwatering the soil. For localized treatment, use a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol to wipe down affected areas. The alcohol desiccates the mites, but always perform a small spot test first, as sensitive succulents may react poorly.
For broader application, insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, such as neem oil, is an effective treatment option. These products work by suffocating or disrupting the mites’ outer layer and must be applied to all plant surfaces to be effective. Since these treatments only kill the adult and nymph stages, not the eggs, repeated application every five to seven days for several weeks is required to ensure all generations are eliminated. This consistent regimen is necessary to break the rapid reproduction cycle and ensure complete eradication.
Long-Term Prevention and Maintenance
Proactive care focuses on making the succulent’s environment less favorable for these arachnids. Since spider mites thrive in hot, dry air, slightly increasing the humidity around indoor plants can help discourage them. While succulents do not tolerate moist soil, a localized boost in humidity, perhaps through a nearby pebble tray or a room humidifier, can aid prevention. Improving air circulation also disrupts the mites’ preferred stagnant conditions.
Routine inspection is integral to preventing recurring problems. Any new succulent should be quarantined and monitored for at least two weeks before being introduced to an existing collection. Regularly checking the plant, especially the undersides of leaves and stem junctions, allows for early detection. Keeping succulents clean by gently wiping away accumulated dust can also deter mites, as they are attracted to dusty surfaces where they build protective webbing.