AT A GLANCE
To combat spider mites on the dragon tree, increase the humidity by showering the plant thoroughly and wrapping it in a plastic bag for two weeks. Alternatively, you can use a canola oil dishwashing liquid or an insecticide.
What do spider mites look like sitting on the dragon tree?
A spider mite is only about 0.5 millimeters in size and usually sit on the underside of the leaf.
- With a magnifying glass, the harmful insects, which like all arachnids have eight legs, can be identified quite well.
- 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 body, the animals penetrate the leaves and suck out the plant sap.
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How do I recognize an infestation with spider mites?
The tiny ones living on the dragon tree Spider mites are hardly noticeable at first. However, the infestation is at the visible webs and the small, bright spots on the leaves, caused by the suction activity, can be recognized without a doubt.
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 mites at the dragon tree die off when the humidity is high enough. This makes the successful treatment of the plant not too difficult:
- Thoroughly shower the Dracaena, including the underside of the leaves.
- Wrap the whole tree in a clear plastic bag.
- Close them as tightly as possible just above the root ball.
- Ask that dragon tree back to 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 detergent solution helps against spider mites, that you bring up several times, very well. You can create these as follows:
- 400ml of water
- 100 ml rapeseed oil
- a few drops of detergent
put in a spray bottle and shake. Spray the dragon tree until dripping wet, especially on the undersides of the leaves and in the leaf axils. Repeat this treatment every ten days.
Alternatively, you can use a commercially available insecticide according to the packaging instructions.
How do dragon tree spider mites spread?
Spider mites are common after buying a new houseplant. The eggs of the pests 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 airing. It is also conceivable that individual spider mites clinging to clothing can be carried into the home.
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 indoor plants regularly
To prevent spider mites from spreading from one plant to the dragon tree and other indoor plants, check all plants for pest infestation when watering. In particular, you should inspect the leaf axils and undersides of the leaves at least once a week.
