A Practical Guide to Spider Mite Prevention

You might not see them—but they see your plants.

Spider mites are microscopic pests that love fall’s dry, warm indoor air. They spread quickly and can turn your healthiest houseplants into leafless, web-covered wrecks. But here’s the good news: you can keep them out with a simple prevention plan.

Here’s your fall spider mite prevention routine:

1. Inspect Weekly

Look under leaves and in crevices. Early signs include tiny tan dots, fine webbing, or leaf curling. Use a flashlight or your phone camera to check closely.

2. Clean the Leaves

Wipe plants with a damp cloth every 2–3 weeks. Add diluted neem oil or a drop of dish soap to warm water for an extra layer of protection.

3. Watch the Humidity

Spider mites thrive in dry air. Keep it around 40–60% by grouping plants or using pebble trays. No need to mist—target the environment, not the leaves.

4. Be Cautious with New Plants

Quarantine any new green friends for 2 weeks before adding them to your collection. Even one unnoticed egg sac can lead to a full outbreak.

5. Treat Proactively

Spray your most vulnerable plants—like monstera, philodendron, and fiddle leaf figs—with a neem or alcohol solution monthly (test leaves first!).

A Few Plants to Watch Closely This Season:

• Monstera deliciosa and adansonii

• Philodendron micans and gloriosum

• Fiddle Leaf Fig

• Calathea and Stromanthe

• Indoor ferns

Fall is the season for coziness—but it’s also spider mite season. Stay vigilant and keep your plants clean, checked, and pest-free.