Pocket Botanist
_on_a_leaf,_Lisbon,_Portugal_(approx._GPS_location)_julesvernex2.jpg){kind=link}
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves with a flashlight.
- Look for fine webbing near the leaf stems.
- Check if the air around the plant feels very dry.
Likely causes
Spider Mites
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see tiny white or red specks moving on the leaf undersides and fine, dusty webbing between leaf veins.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the pests. Spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until the infestation is gone.
Low Humidity
PossibleHow to tell: The plant looks stressed and the leaves feel brittle, making it a prime target for mites.
What to do: Place your plant on a pebble tray filled with water or use a humidifier nearby. Aim for humidity levels between 50 to 60 percent.
When to worry
If you see heavy webbing covering the entire plant, it is a severe infestation that needs immediate treatment. A few stray mites can be managed with consistent cleaning.
Stopping it coming back
Wipe your plant leaves with a damp cloth every two weeks to keep them clean and discourage pests. Keep the humidity high to make the environment less inviting for mites.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your dragon scale alocasia.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I use dish soap to kill the mites?
- Yes, a mild solution of one teaspoon of dish soap per quart of water works well. Just be sure to rinse the leaves afterward.
- Will these pests spread to my other plants?
- Absolutely, spider mites travel easily between plants. Isolate your Dragon Scale until you are sure the pests are gone.
More problems with Dragon Scale Alocasia
Back to the Dragon Scale Alocasia guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.