Jane

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

Carolina

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.

Jane

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