spider mites on Christmas Cactus
Quick answer
If your Christmas Cactus has spider mites, the most likely cause is: Red spider mites, yellowish-black or reddish-orange and almost like dust to the naked eye, infest Christmas cactus phylloclades in dry, poorly ventilated indoor air, spin very fine webs across the segments, and suck sap until the plant body becomes brownish and disfigured.
Start here:
- 1. Restore humidity and airflow around the plant by misting and opening a window or running a small fan; introduce the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis during summer as a biological control of red spider mites.
- 2. If infestation persists, spray the phylloclades with bifenthrin or malathion at label rates, taking care to cover segment joints where mites hide, and isolate the plant from healthy specimens during treatment.
Why Christmas Cactus gets spider mites
Schlumbergera bridgesii
Red spider mites, yellowish-black or reddish-orange and almost like dust to the naked eye, infest Christmas cactus phylloclades in dry, poorly ventilated indoor air, spin very fine webs across the segments, and suck sap until the plant body becomes brownish and disfigured.
How to reverse spider mites on Christmas Cactus
- 1
Restore humidity and airflow around the plant by misting and opening a window or running a small fan; introduce the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis during summer as a biological control of red spider mites.
- 2
If infestation persists, spray the phylloclades with bifenthrin or malathion at label rates, taking care to cover segment joints where mites hide, and isolate the plant from healthy specimens during treatment.
Keep spider mites off this Christmas Cactus
Mist Christmas cactus phylloclades from time to time even when not watering the roots, and keep the room from becoming extremely dry, since extremely dry conditions contribute to problems with spider mites.