Spider mites are tiny, orange-red arachnids that can hardly be seen with the naked eye. They attack roses primarily in very hot and dry weather and appear to multiply explosively. If there is an infestation - even if you only suspect it - you should act as quickly as possible - because the larger the population, the more difficult it is to eliminate. Fortunately, spider mites can be eliminated relatively quickly using natural remedies.
How do you fight spider mites on roses?
To combat spider mites on roses, spray the affected parts of the plant with a 1:10 mixture of whole milk and water for several days in a row. Alternatively, preparations based on rapeseed oil can be used. Chemical agents should be avoided.
How do you actually recognize spider mites?
You probably won't see the tiny spider mites themselves hopping around on your roses by chance; instead, the infestation manifests itself through the fine white webs, not unlike spider webs, on the undersides of the leaves, between the leaves and shoots and sometimes on the flowers themselves The leaves are initially slightly mottled gray-white, but quickly discolor and dry out and are then dropped. Small, yellowish to orange eggs can often be seen on the undersides of the leaves.
Effectively prevent spider mite infestation
Spider mites love the heat, which is why they prefer to settle on plants that are in very sunny, dry and not very airy locations. In addition, already weakened roses are increasingly being attacked because, unlike he althy plants, they no longer have a strong defense system. An airy location that isn't necessarily in the blazing sun is ideal for roses - spider mites won't appear here any time soon. For example, if your potted rose is standing directly in front of a wall (possibly one that is painted white), move it away and provide a cooling breeze. You can strengthen weak roses with a regular course of field horsetail tea. The brew also disinfects the soil and plants and not only keeps away annoying arachnids, but also other vermin and various fungal pathogens.
Fighting spider mites successfully
An easy-to-make remedy often helps against spider mites, the effectiveness of which is actually well known for mildew: whole milk diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10. Fill this mixture into an atomizer and spray the spider mites extensively with it for several days in a row. It is best to carry out the treatment early in the morning when the beasts are still sluggish and slow. If you want to use stronger remedies, we recommend the various commercially available preparations based on rapeseed oil. Use chemical agents as little as possible, because these not only kill unwanted pests, but also all sorts of useful insects.
Tip
If your rose is in a pot, put it in the shower from time to time and give it a good shower - then arachnids and other pests won't have a chance to settle. But make sure that the plant dries out quickly so that no fungi settle on it.
