Can I just wash the mites off?

Washing helps reduce their numbers, but it rarely kills every egg. You must 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 clothes. Isolate your Elephant Ear immediately until the plant is completely clear.

Why are there tiny webs on my Elephant Ear? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves with a magnifying glass.
Look for fine webbing between the stems.
Check if the leaves have small yellow dots on the top surface.

Likely causes

Spider Mites
Most likely
How to tell: You will see fine webbing between leaf stems and tiny yellow stippling or dots on the surface of the leaves.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until the infestation is gone.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The air feels very dry and the plant looks stressed or dusty.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a microclimate. Use a humidifier nearby to keep the air moisture levels above 50 percent.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your elephant ear

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 entire plant, it is a severe infestation that needs immediate treatment. A few mites are manageable, but they multiply fast.

Stopping it coming back

Mist your plant regularly or keep a humidifier running to maintain higher humidity. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth every 2 weeks to keep them clean and dust free.

Elephant Ear: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your elephant ear 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 reduce their numbers, but it rarely kills every egg. You must 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 clothes. Isolate your Elephant Ear immediately until the plant is completely clear.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

Why are there tiny webs on my Elephant Ear?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your elephant ear?