Can I use dish soap to kill them?

A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but insecticidal soap is safer for the plant's leaves.

Will my plant recover after a spider mite attack?

Yes, once the pests are removed, the plant will grow new, healthy leaves. Just keep up with the humidity to prevent them from returning.

Never Never Plant: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves with a magnifying glass.
Look for fine webbing near the leaf joints.
Check if the leaves look dusty or speckled.

Likely causes

Spider Mites
Most likely
How to tell: You will see tiny white dots on the leaves and fine webbing between stems. The leaves may look dull or yellowish.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Follow up by spraying the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days until they are gone.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your never never plant

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, the infestation is advanced and requires immediate treatment. Isolate the plant from others right away.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the air humid and wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth every few weeks to discourage mites from settling in.

Never Never Plant: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your never never plant 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 use dish soap to kill them?: A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but insecticidal soap is safer for the plant's leaves.
Will my plant recover after a spider mite attack?: Yes, once the pests are removed, the plant will grow new, healthy leaves. Just keep up with the humidity to prevent them from returning.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

How do I get rid of pests on my Never Never Plant?