Ugh spider mites!!! :(

[Taylor]

I brought all of my plants in for the winter about a month ago now(I'm from NJ), and I just found out that my oldest hibiscus is suffering from an infestation of spider mites. I noticed the leaves were starting to droop and turn yellow even after I watered the plant. I then saw little red specks & webs on the leaves. I mixed up soap and warm water in a spray bottle and dowsed the plant with it. I'm really hoping this mixture will hold me over until I'm able to get the Bayer 3 in 1.

Does anyone have any more tips for fighting these little pests? Besides drowning the plant, mine is unfortunately too big for that and the house I'm currently living in doesn't have a big tub.

The last thing I want is my plant to die, I've had it for about 5 years now. 

[DavidU]

Hi Taylor,

Nice to know there's another HVH grower from NJ on the board - I live in Montclair, NJ and have several tropical hibiscus 

Since I know your conditions pretty well (and also typically deal with mites in the winter) I have a few suggestions which may help. Due to the size of your plant, I would highly recommend bringing it outside during the daytime while it's still relatively warm (above 45 degrees), remove all the yellow leaves, and give it a really good spray with a garden sprayer/hose.  Make sure you get every inch of the plant - tops and undersides of the leaves and all stems.  This should hopefully remove all of the current mites on the plant, but keep in mind that mites hatch in cycles and there will be more most likely hatching from the soil where mites like to lay their eggs.  I like to blast the soil as well, but that's up to you.  After you give it a a good spray down let the plant air dry outside, then bring it back in.  Hopefully from there you can keep the mites under control with your spray solution until your 3 in 1 arrives so you can get the newly hatched mites that will be coming. I would also invest in some neem oil as this has helped me "control" mites as well.  Typically I spray every other day for a week or two after a mite attack with 3 in 1 and monitor thereafter.

This year I have also heavily pruned back several of my bigger hibiscus.  This may be another helpful suggestion for you as there will be less for the mites to attack on the plant and it will be easier for you to spray everything indoors as well as move the plant around.  There are several benefits to pruning and since your plant is 5 years old and strong, you will receive plenty of new growth in the spring if you can provide warmth and some light while overwintering.  I keep my hibiscus indoors under T5 lighting during the winter, but I understand this may not be feasible for you.  Check out the pruning instructions in the hibiscus care section if you need some tips.

Last but not least, keep in mind that mites and several other pests can build up a resistance to just one product (or the chemical used in said product to control the pest).  Therefore, I would plan ahead now and research online some other products that deter mites so you have a backup on hand if needed.  The forums here are also useful to determine products which may help.


 

[Taylor]

Hi Dave, thanks for your reply 
I'm down at the Jersey shore, in Brick to be exact. I have about 5 planted outside and 10 in pots. And more on their way, I'm obsessed with them haha.

I have been starting to see less and less of the mites but I know dozens of them could appear very quickly. I plan on taking your advice and bringing the tree outside tomorrow and spraying it down.
I grow my plants under 65w grow lamps in the winter and try to keep them in warm conditions.
I actually had to heavily prune this tree last year since one of the main branches died. If I don't have much luck with my sprays this will be my last resort. I always hate bringing my plants in for the winter cause they go into shock and make me worry, haha.

Once I receive my 3 in 1 I'll post and update on this post, hopefully it'll be a good one

Also, I just noticed my youngest plant has little white bugs underneath the leaves, no signs of stress yet though.
This is the first winter I've had issues with pests, last year I had none. It's so weird.

[DavidU]

Hope this helps your situation a bit and keep us posted on how it goes.  Yes, it's strange how one year you can have no problems at all and the next you're getting hit with multiple pests.  My first year growing I had no issues and the following year I got hit with many pests.  Eventually all growers encounter issues, so i guess the good news is that it forces you to do some research and you will be better prepared the next time.  I've gotten several good tips just going through old forum posts here.  By the way, those little white bugs on your younger plants are most likely whiteflies - another common pest I get.  You can control those with your soap and water solution, 3 in 1, and neem oil as well.