Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny moving dots.
- Look for fine, silky webbing near the leaf joints.
- Check if the leaves look dusty or speckled.
Likely causes
Spider mites
Most likelyHow to tell: You will notice tiny yellow stippling or dots on the leaves. Fine webbing may also appear between the stems or under the leaves.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to the foliage every 7 days until the infestation is gone.
Dry air
PossibleHow to tell: The plant is healthy otherwise, but the air in the room is consistently very dry. This environment encourages spider mites to multiply quickly.
What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant using a tray of pebbles and water. Regularly misting the plant can also help deter these pests.
When to worry
If you see heavy webbing and the leaves are turning pale or dropping, the infestation is severe. Act quickly to save the plant.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the leaves clean by wiping them occasionally and maintain moderate humidity levels.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your ti plant.
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
- Are spider mites harmful to humans?
- No, spider mites are not harmful to humans or pets. They only feed on plant sap.
- How often should I treat for mites?
- Treat once a week for at least 3 weeks. This ensures you catch any new mites that hatch from eggs after your first treatment.
More problems with Ti Plant
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.