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Re: Spider Webs on plants

Kathy <MoonsWife@aol.com> wrote:


> Hi all,
> Not sure what the bugs are, can't see any of those, but my Banana
> Croton
> (according to name tag provided) has spider webs all over it.  So does
> the
> Codiaeum 'Petra' sitting on the opposite end of same shelf.  [...]
> Kathy

Real bad news Kathy.  Crotons are highly susceptible to spider mites...
and so are Dracaenas and all the others, so brace yourself for a *real*
gunfight.  :-(

I use Schultz Insecticide Soap with good results (available at your
grocery store's plant section). Whatever product you are going to use
though, CONSISTENT and REGULAR checking of ALL your plants are your
*ONLY* salvation, for the insecticide is not going to affect the
numerous eggs that are already sitting in the soil--and you will face
bout after bout of disturbing invasions.

At that late stage (presence of spider web) we can assume that all the
plants are already infected and will deserve very sustained attention in
the months ahead, ...and beyond.  So start by treating ALL your plants,
whether or not any signs are showing.

It is highly recommended to carefully wash your plants with soapy water
(I do so leaf by leaf) before applying the insecticidal soap.  As
someone said before, it may not be worth trying to save a badly affected
plant.  (It is unbelievable that you haven't lost one leaf yet--your
plants must be very strong, in excellent shape.)

Using a magnifying glass, regularly check for mites under the leaves AND
on the surface of the soil after waterings.  It may take some time
before your eyes can perceive the moving speckles--the damn things are
really small.

Also, raise the humidity level around your plants--spider mites hate
that...  :-)
____________
Garvey J. Dyer
gdyer@erols.com
Bethesda, MD (USA)
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