The easy-care rubber tree is in principle quite resistant to diseases and pests. Occasionally, however, there is an infestation with spider mites, especially during the winter heating season. Then only quick action helps.
Spider mites can be red, black, or white
What can I do against spider mites
React as quickly as possible when you discover the web of spider mites on your rubber tree. On the one hand, it is important to save the rubber tree, but on the other hand, to prevent the pests from spreading to neighboring plants.
If you spray your rubber tree with a powerful jet of water, you will already remove a large part of the annoying little animals. If possible, the water should be lukewarm and free of limescale. The lime would leave ugly stains on the leaves of your rubber tree. You can also wipe them dry afterwards with a soft cloth.
Now wrap your whole rubber tree in plastic wrap. The humidity that develops underneath is unbearable for spider mites, so they prefer to disappear. But make sure you use transparent foil, because the rubber tree needs a lot of light. As an alternative to the methods mentioned, you can also use lacewings to control spider mites.
Good care is the best prevention
Better than any spider mite control, of course, is to prevent them from showing up in the first place. So make it uncomfortable for the mites. Even if your rubber tree tolerates dry heating air, it does not mean that it likes it. So ensure high humidity and avoid drafts. This keeps the spider mites away and the plant healthy.
Only give your rubber tree a small portion of commercial liquid fertilizer every three to six weeks. If it is fertilized too much, it will soon drop its leaves. The rubber tree does not need large amounts of water either. Only water it when the top layer of soil has dried a little or submerge the rubber tree.
The most important measures against spider mites:
- rinse off when infested
- Separate affected plant and wrap in transparent foil
- lacewings
- good care and proper location for prevention
- increase humidity
tips
High humidity keeps spider mites away and your rubber tree healthy.