spider mites on Asparagus Fern
Quick answer
If your Asparagus Fern has spider mites, the most likely cause is: Asparagus setaceus is listed by the reference book as prone to red spider mites on the foliage; the mites thrive in hot, dry air, and an infestation shows as bleached or speckled foliage with fine webbing between the leaves and stems.
Start here:
- 1. Spray the foliage with an insecticide labelled for red spider mites, or apply a biological control, covering the undersides of the leaves.
- 2. Mist the plant daily to raise ambient humidity, because red spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions and elevated humidity suppresses them.
Why Asparagus Fern gets spider mites
Asparagus setaceus
Asparagus setaceus is listed by the reference book as prone to red spider mites on the foliage; the mites thrive in hot, dry air, and an infestation shows as bleached or speckled foliage with fine webbing between the leaves and stems.
How to reverse spider mites on Asparagus Fern
- 1
Spray the foliage with an insecticide labelled for red spider mites, or apply a biological control, covering the undersides of the leaves.
- 2
Mist the plant daily to raise ambient humidity, because red spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions and elevated humidity suppresses them.
- 3
Inspect the undersides of the cladodes with a magnifying glass every few days until the infestation clears, picking off any webbing that reappears.
Keep spider mites off this Asparagus Fern
Maintain high humidity around the plant at all times, especially in centrally heated rooms, and mist the foliage frequently so the air around Asparagus setaceus never becomes hot and dry.