The easy-care rubber tree is in principle quite resistant to diseases and pests. However, spider mite infestations occasionally occur, especially during the heating season during the winter. Then only quick action will help.
How do I get rid of spider mites from rubber trees?
To combat spider mites on the rubber tree, spray the plant with lime-free water, then cover it with transparent plastic film and increase the humidity in the area. As a preventive measure, good care and lacewings ensure that spider mites stay away.
What can I do against spider mites
React as quickly as possible if you discover the spider mite web on your rubber tree. On the one hand, it is important to save the rubber tree, but on the other hand, it is also important to prevent the pests from spreading to neighboring plants.
Spray your rubber tree with a strong jet of water to remove a large proportion of the annoying animals. If possible, the water should be lukewarm and free of limescale. The lime would leave unsightly stains on the leaves of your rubber tree. You can also wipe them dry afterwards with a soft cloth.
Now cover your entire rubber tree with plastic wrap. The humidity created underneath is unbearable for spider mites, so they prefer to disappear. Be sure to use transparent film because the rubber tree needs a lot of light. As an alternative to the methods mentioned, you can also use lacewings to combat spider mites.
Good care is the best prevention
Of course, better than any control of spider mites is to prevent them from appearing in the first place. So make it uncomfortable for the mites. Even if your rubber tree can tolerate dry heating air, that doesn't mean it likes it. So ensure high humidity and avoid drafts. This keeps the spider mites away and the plant he althy.
Only give your rubber tree a small portion of commercially available liquid fertilizer every three to six weeks. If it is fertilized too much, it will soon drop its leaves. The rubber tree also does not need large amounts of water. Only water it when the top layer of soil has dried out a little or dip the rubber tree.
The most important measures against spider mites:
- spray off if infested
- Separate the affected plant and wrap it in transparent foil
- lacewings
- good care and correct location for prevention
- Increase humidity
Tip
High humidity keeps spider mites away and your rubber tree he althy.
