Spider mites on houseplants such as the dragon tree primarily occur in the winter months. Through their sucking activity, the small animals can damage the plant so much that it even dies. That's why consistent action is required.
How do I fight spider mites on the dragon tree?
To combat spider mites on the dragon tree, increase the humidity by thoroughly showering the plant and wrapping it in a plastic bag for two weeks. Alternatively, you can use a canola oil dishwashing liquid solution or an insecticide.
What do spider mites sitting on the dragon tree look like?
A spider mite is onlyabout 0.5 millimeters in sizeandare usually located on the underside of the leaf.
- The harmful insects, which like all arachnids have eight legs, can be identified quite easily with a magnifying glass.
- The body is oval.
- The coloring depends not only on the species, but also on the season. It can be green, yellow, brown or orange.
- With their mouthparts on the front of their bodies, the animals penetrate the leaves and suck out the plant sap.
How do I recognize a spider mite infestation?
The tinyspider mites that live on the dragon tree are hardly noticeable at first. However, the infestation can be clearly recognized by thevisible websand thesmall, light dots on the leaves, caused by the sucking activity.
If the infestation is severe, these discolorations merge into large, gray or brown spots. Since the spider mites also damage the foliage of the dragon tree with their poisonous saliva, the leaves die off completely over time.
How can I fight the spider mites on the dragon tree?
Spider miteson the dragon treedie when the humidity is sufficiently high. This means that the successful treatment of the plant is not too difficult:
- Shower the Dracaena thoroughly, including the undersides of the leaves.
- Wrap the entire tree in a clear plastic bag.
- Close them as tightly as possible just above the pot ball.
- Put the dragon tree back in its original place.
- Leave the foil on the houseplant for two weeks.
Due to the constantly high humidity, the spider mites died after this time.
Is there another way to combat spider mites on the dragon tree?
A rapeseed oil and dishwashing liquid solution,that you apply several times, works very well against spider mites. You can make these as follows:
- 400 ml water
- 100 ml rapeseed oil
- a few drops of dishwashing liquid
Pour into a spray bottle and shake. Spray the dragon tree while it is dripping wet, especially on the undersides of the leaves and in the leaf axils. Repeat this treatment every ten days.
Alternatively, you can use an insecticide from a specialist retailer according to the packaging instructions.
How do dragon tree spider mites spread?
Spider mites often appearafter you buy a new houseplant. The pests' eggs sit invisibly in the leaf axils, the mites hatch in the apartment and spread from plant to plant.
The very small and light animals can also be blown through the window when ventilating. It is also conceivable that individual spider mites can be carried into the apartment by adhering to clothing.
Can I prevent spider mites on the dragon tree?
Prevention is possible,by permanently increasing the humidity in the apartment:
- Spray the dragon tree daily with low-lime water.
- Place wide bowls around the plants in which there should always be a little water for evaporation.
- An indoor fountain also ensures slightly higher humidity.
Tip
Check houseplants regularly
To prevent spider mites from spreading from one plant to the dragon tree and other houseplants, check all plants for pest infestation when watering. In particular, you should inspect the leaf axils and undersides at least once a week.