Is this still a spider mite problem

[davidwood]

I have searched info and these leaves just don't seem right, they are twisting in on themselves and some are becoming mottled. Is this related to what we think is the spider mite problem as they are in very close proximity to each other.
 The one thing i have noticed and i may try to correct if advised is the medium of coco peat all though draining very well remains very wet.
 Allthough as i am new to growing Hibiscus this may be very normal and what happens to healthy leaves and i am panicing over nothing, but on the other HVs they are not like this.

[Charlie]

Hi David,

Mottling is a common sign of spider mites. They feed by sucking the green chlorophyl out of the cells of the leaves, which is what causes the lighter colored mottling.

Please keep in mind that mite damage remains even after the mites are eliminated. Further yellowing of the overall leaf often occurs if the leaf was damaged enough, and then the leaf falls off. If you catch the outbreak in time, some mottling can remain but the leaf will not fall off prematurely since it was damaged enough to cause this.

The twisting or deformity of leaves is usually caused by insects that attack it when it is first emerging and developing. That shape can persist long after the insect has been killed or moved on.

The bottom line is that although insects and mites most likely caused the mottling and distorted shape they may or may not still be there on the leaves. I often cut off the worst of such leaves so that their appearance does not detract from the look of the plant and so that new leaves are quicker to grow back. Of course you do not want to remove too many leaves or the plant will look even worse and may not be able to generate the energy through photosynthesis that it needs.

If in doubt, go ahead and treat for both sap sucking insects and spider mites - such as hort oil and Bayers 3-in-1.

Thanks for posting the photos.

Best of luck!

Charlie

[Darkhorse]

Just wanted to add to that... I have noticed spider mite damage that appears up to two months after the mites were killed.

[blupit007]

This just answered my question.  My Belle still has small signs of Mites, leaves looking a tiny bit molted, but no bugs.  Not even when I look at them thorough my 10x mag loop.  And believe me, I really look like an idiot out there inspecting every leaf!  Nothing.  So I feel better that you say the molting can continue even though the mites are all gone.

[Charlie]

Using the 10x loupe is a great idea. Without it we are just making a best guess whether the mites are there or not. Since treating the plants with any pesticide, including oil, carries its own stress it's best to know for sure that it is needed before doing it. OTOH, if we wait too long and it is needed the plant suffers even more damage. Mites have ways of hiding and then coming out again, something they naturally do over winter, so you need to check any time you are concerned about the way a leaf looks or have any suspicions that they might be coming back.

Charlie

[blupit007]

I check all my plants each day.  AND I make sure I wash my hands between every one...  Thanks for any advise!