Can I just wash the mites off?

Washing helps, but it rarely removes all the eggs. You should follow up with a treatment like neem oil to ensure they do not return.

Will these pests spread to my other plants?

Yes, spider mites travel easily through the air or on your hands. Isolate your African Mask Plant until you are sure the infestation is cleared.

African Mask Plant: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves with a magnifying glass.
Check for fine webbing between the leaf stems.
Look for tiny yellow dots on the top of the leaves.

Likely causes

Spider Mite Infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see fine webbing between leaf stems and tiny yellow stippling spots on the leaf surface. The leaves may look dusty or lose their deep green luster.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Spray the entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until the pests are gone.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The plant looks stressed and the edges of the leaves may start to crisp up. Mites thrive in these dry conditions.
What to do: Place a humidifier nearby or group your plant with others to create a microclimate. You can also set the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your african mask plant

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If you see heavy webbing covering the plant, it is a serious infestation that needs immediate treatment. A few mites are manageable, but they multiply quickly.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant well hydrated and increase the humidity around it to make the environment less inviting for mites. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth once a month to keep them clean.

African Mask Plant: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your african mask plant and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I just wash the mites off?: Washing helps, but it rarely removes all the eggs. You should follow up with a treatment like neem oil to ensure they do not return.
Will these pests spread to my other plants?: Yes, spider mites travel easily through the air or on your hands. Isolate your African Mask Plant until you are sure the infestation is cleared.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

Why are there tiny webs on my African Mask Plant?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your african mask plant?