Small spiders in potting soil should not be underestimated. The infestation can cause serious distress to the affected houseplant. This guide calls the arachnids by name. Read these tried-and-tested tips for effective immediate measures and poison-free control with home remedies.
How do you fight small spiders in potting soil?
In order to effectively combat small spiders in potting soil, usually spider mites, it is recommended to repot the affected houseplant, rinse it, spray it with a soap and alcohol solution or use beneficial insects such as predatory mites. Regular spraying of the plants and potassium-based fertilization prevent infestation.
What are those little spiders in potting soil?
Small spiders in potting soil are usuallySpider mites(Tetranychidae). Spider mites are dreadedpests that suck the juice out of the leaves of weakened houseplants, releasing toxins and transmitting viruses. The potting soil is used as a breeding ground by the beasts. These identifying features confirm the suspicion:
- Appearance: 0.2mm to 0.8mm small, 8 legs, pear-shaped body, brown, light green, reddish brown colored.
- Occurrence: in dry, leached plant soil, often on the undersides of leaves.
- Damage: silvery leaf speckles, hanging and dead leaves, webs in the leaf axils.
What to do about small spiders in potting soil?
The best immediate measures against small spiders in potting soil areRepottingandShowering offIn this way, you get rid of the pests, because the soil and leaves of houseplants are usually infested at the same time. These home remedies also help against spider mites:
- Pack the houseplant in a foil bag for a week.
- Cut off severely infested plant parts and dispose of them in household waste.
- Spray the plant and potting soil with soap-spirit solution (€13.00 on Amazon).
- Combat spider mites with beneficial insects, such as predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis) or gall midges (Feltiella acarisuga).
How do I prevent small spiders from getting into potting soil?
By spraying houseplants regularly, you can prevent small spiders from getting into potting soil and attacking the leaves. Arachnids can't stand moisture.
Good care keeps pests away because spider mites prefer to target weakened plants. In particular,potassium-based fertilization strengthens the cells in the leaf tissue so that the spider mites do not penetrate with their mouthparts. If the leaves are not suitable as a food source, the potting soil is also spared from the arachnids.
Tip
Dipping bath helps against light-colored animals in potting soil
If the pest infestation is concentrated on the potting soil, you are usually dealing with springtails or the larvae of fungus gnats. A dip in a bucket of water makes short work of the rabble. However, not all houseplants are suitable for this radical measure. If in doubt, put a nylon stocking over the flower pot for six weeks.
