spider mites on Pilea
Quick answer
If your Pilea has spider mites, the most likely cause is: Pilea peperomioides is a target for the common indoor pest complex that includes aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects; these sap-sucking pests colonize the undersides of the saucer-shaped leaves and along the central stem, slowly draining the foliage and leaving the plant stressed.
Start here:
- 1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves and the central stem regularly, because that is where aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects hide on a Chinese money plant.
- 2. For a light infestation, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and wipe the pests off, paying particular attention to the undersides of the leaves.
Why Pilea gets spider mites
Pilea
Pilea peperomioides is a target for the common indoor pest complex that includes aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects; these sap-sucking pests colonize the undersides of the saucer-shaped leaves and along the central stem, slowly draining the foliage and leaving the plant stressed.
How to reverse spider mites on Pilea
- 1
Inspect the undersides of the leaves and the central stem regularly, because that is where aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects hide on a Chinese money plant.
- 2
For a light infestation, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and wipe the pests off, paying particular attention to the undersides of the leaves.
- 3
For a larger spider mite or scale population, follow up the alcohol wipe with an organic neem oil spray on all leaf surfaces until the pests are gone.
Keep spider mites off this Pilea
Keep new plants quarantined and inspect the leaf undersides weekly so any spider mite or scale colony is caught early before it spreads through the rest of the plant.