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.

What are the tiny pests on my garden astilbe?

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.

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.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your astilbe.

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.

Get the app

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.