Why are there tiny webs on my Firecracker flower?

Check these first

1. Inspect the undersides of leaves with a magnifying glass.
2. Look for fine webbing near the leaf joints.
3. Check if the foliage has tiny yellow dots or stippling.

Likely causes

1. Spider Mites

   Most likely

   How to tell: You will see fine, dusty webbing between leaves and tiny yellow stippling on the foliage. The leaves may eventually look dull or bronzed.

   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 for three weeks to catch new hatchlings.

2. Low Humidity

   Possible

   How to tell: The air around your plant feels very dry, and the mites are appearing rapidly. Mites thrive when humidity drops below 40 percent.

   What to do: Place your plant on a pebble tray filled with water to increase local humidity. You can also group it with other plants to create a more humid microclimate.

When to worry

If the webbing covers the entire plant and leaves are turning brown, the infestation is severe. Minor spots are normal if caught early.

Stopping it coming back

Mist your plant occasionally or use a humidifier to keep the air from getting too dry.

Questions people ask

Can I just wash the mites off?

Washing helps, but it rarely removes every single egg. You must follow up with a treatment to ensure they do not return.

Will these mites spread to my other plants?

Yes, spider mites travel easily. Isolate your Firecracker flower immediately until the infestation is completely gone.

More problems with Firecracker flower

• Why is my Firecracker flower wilting despite wet soil?
• Why is my Firecracker flower not blooming?