Elephant Ears
 

Hi all,
I have 3 Elephant Ears, an Illustris, a Black Magic and one of those cheap Wal Mart bulbs that they have out early in the spring. While watering today I noticed this strange white stuff on quite a few of the leaves. On closer inspection and to my horror I realized it was red spider mites. We have had a dry summer so I have been fighting them everywhere this year. I just never thought of looking for them on my EE’s. The spray we have been using on my other stuff says nothing about tropicals. And I have just been misting my bananas trying to keep them under control there. Does anyone know what is safe to use on EE’s to kill these little beasts. I am going to try to over winter a couple of babies in the house and would hate to start a major infestation with my house plants. Any help here would be really appreciated!!!


Jane

Re: Elephant Ears
 

You can use neem oil, which is not an insecticide, but you'd have to get both sides of the leaves. It can be used as a systematic, I believe. Maybe someone else can tell you more on that. During winter, I just use soapy water in a spray bottle and wipe my leaves. Never had the spider mite problem in the winter time because I take these precautions beforehand and use a humidifier. I'd almost think you'd -have- to have the humidifier. Illustris.. mine never do all that well inside over the winter, but do survive. All my others do okay.

I'd take the water hose and a rag to those leaves, though.

Re: Elephant Ears
 

Thanks so much for your help. I will be washing EE’s leaves tonight. I have been wanting to get some Neem oil but just hadn’t yet. Guess this is the kick I need to get some.
I have a wall fountain in my plant room where I had planned on keeping the EE’s and Bananas this winter. Guess I will be adding a humidifier to the room also. I have a ceiling fan in there too and will try to remember to turn it on for a while every day.
Again, thanks so much!

Jane