spider mites on Astrophytum Asterias
Quick answer
If your Astrophytum Asterias has spider mites, the most likely cause is: Astrophytum asterias can be colonised by red spider mite, an orange pest almost too small for the naked eye to see, that wraps the cactus in very fine webs and sucks sap from the epidermis, reddening and disfiguring the body. Spider mites can only thrive in a hot and close environment, so an Astrophytum kept on a dry windowsill in stagnant indoor warmth is the prime target.
Start here:
- 1. Spray the whole Astrophytum asterias body with a systemic miticide that kills the pests as they feed, and repeat at the manufacturer's interval so newly hatched mites are caught before they reach maturity.
- 2. Rinse the cactus under a gentle stream of tepid water to wash away the fine webs and dust that protect the colony, then move it to a more humid, well-aired position so any survivors cannot re-establish.
Why Astrophytum Asterias gets spider mites
Astrophytum Asterias
Astrophytum asterias can be colonised by red spider mite, an orange pest almost too small for the naked eye to see, that wraps the cactus in very fine webs and sucks sap from the epidermis, reddening and disfiguring the body. Spider mites can only thrive in a hot and close environment, so an Astrophytum kept on a dry windowsill in stagnant indoor warmth is the prime target.
How to reverse spider mites on Astrophytum Asterias
- 1
Spray the whole Astrophytum asterias body with a systemic miticide that kills the pests as they feed, and repeat at the manufacturer's interval so newly hatched mites are caught before they reach maturity.
- 2
Rinse the cactus under a gentle stream of tepid water to wash away the fine webs and dust that protect the colony, then move it to a more humid, well-aired position so any survivors cannot re-establish.
Keep spider mites off this Astrophytum Asterias
Maintain good air circulation around Astrophytum asterias and avoid hot, close, bone-dry conditions, since a more humid atmosphere and good ventilation deter spider mites from settling and webbing the cactus body.