Pest-Infestation on rubber plant
What's Happening
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) are tiny arachnids that pierce leaf cells and feed on sap, causing stippling - tiny yellow or brown spots that can coalesce into larger damaged areas. They thrive in dry indoor environments (humidity below 40%) and reproduce rapidly in warm conditions. Webbing on undersides of leaves and stems indicates heavy infestation. Mites are often mistaken for dust until damage becomes severe.
How to Fix It
- 1
Inspect weekly with magnifying glass, especially leaf undersides
- 2
Isolate infested plant immediately to prevent spread
- 3
Shower plant with lukewarm water to dislodge mites and wash off webbing
- 4
Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap (1 tsp per quart water) to all leaf surfaces
- 5
Repeat treatment every 5-7 days for 3-4 weeks to break life cycle
- 6
Increase humidity to 60%+ with humidifier or pebble tray
How to Prevent It
Maintain 50-60% humidity year-round. Wipe leaves monthly with damp cloth to remove dust and inspect. Quarantine new plants for 2 weeks. Increase humidity immediately if air is dry, especially in winter with heating systems.