Mites in the potting soil

Mites in the potting soil

The root mites

They are about 0.7 - 1.5 mm in size and have a whitish sheen. Although they do not have a long life expectancy, they multiply strongly. They live in the moist root area of ​​a plant and eat passages in the roots, tubers or bulbs. Bacteria and fungi also find opportunities to penetrate where they damage the plant. So the plant is attacked several times by pests and has seen no chance of survival over a long period of time.

If an infestation is detected, countermeasures must be taken immediately.

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Fight root mites

In addition to insecticides, there are various gentle options available.

Repot

If the plant is badly infested, only repotting will help. This should be done very carefully:

  1. Take the plant out of the pot and remove all soil.
  2. Wash the roots under running water.
  3. Dispose of the old soil in the residual waste.
  4. Clean the flower pot with alcohol.
  5. Use good quality potting soil.
  6. To be on the safe side, you can sterilize the soil in the oven at 100 degrees to kill all pests.
  7. Put your plant in new soil.

Vermouth tea

This tea is available in sachets and only needs to be brewed. Once cooled, you can use the wormwood tea as water for several days.

The spider mites

They can be recognized by their filaments and by bright, dry spots on the plant. Especially in winter, the dry heating air creates ideal conditions for the pest.

The fight

Spider mites are driven away with moisture. Spray your plant with water and cover it with a plastic pot. This creates a warm, humid climate that drives away the mites.

If the infestation is low, you can shower your plant thoroughly and then stick special plant protection sticks in the soil.

In order to also remove the spider mite eggs that are in the ground, it is advisable to completely replace the soil. The contaminated soil is disposed of in the residual waste.

prevention

Keeping your plants moderately moist at all times will prevent spider mites from colonizing. Regular spraying creates a damp room climate in which spider mites do not feel comfortable.