Are spider mites visible to the naked eye?

They are very small, but you can usually see them moving if you look closely at the undersides of the leaves.

Will the leaves recover after a mite infestation?

The damaged leaves will not turn green again, but new growth will be healthy once the mites are gone.

False goat's beard: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the undersides of leaves for tiny moving specks.
Look for fine, silk like webbing between stems.
Test the soil to see if the plant is suffering from drought stress.

Likely causes

Spider Mites
Most likely
How to tell: You see fine webbing between leaves and tiny yellow stippling marks on the leaf surface.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock the mites off. Follow up with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days.
Dry Environmental Conditions
Possible
How to tell: The plant is in a very dry, hot location with low humidity.
What to do: Increase humidity around the plant by misting or keeping the soil consistently moist. Move the plant to a cooler, more sheltered area.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your false goat's beard

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

Worry if the leaves start turning yellow or dropping off due to heavy mite damage. Early detection is key to saving the foliage.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your astilbe well watered and mist the foliage occasionally during hot, dry spells to discourage mites.

False goat's beard: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your false goat's beard 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

Are spider mites visible to the naked eye?: They are very small, but you can usually see them moving if you look closely at the undersides of the leaves.
Will the leaves recover after a mite infestation?: The damaged leaves will not turn green again, but new growth will be healthy once the mites are gone.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

What are the tiny pests on my garden astilbe?