How did my indoor plant get spider mites?

Spider mites can travel on your clothes, through open windows, or even on new plants you bring home. They thrive in warm, dry indoor environments.

Do I need to repot the plant?

Usually, no. You can manage the infestation by cleaning the foliage and using a mild insecticide spray.

Bicolor Song of India: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely at the undersides of the leaves with a magnifying glass.
Check for tiny moving dots near the webbing.
Isolate the plant from your other houseplants immediately.

Likely causes

Spider mite infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see tiny white or red specks moving on the undersides of leaves and fine webs between stems. Leaves may also look speckled or yellowed.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the webs and mites. Follow up by spraying the plant thoroughly with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days until they are gone.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bicolor song of india

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

Spider mites can multiply quickly and weaken the plant significantly. Act as soon as you see the first sign of webbing to prevent a full infestation.

Stopping it coming back

Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth every month to keep them clean and discourage mites. Keep the plant healthy with proper watering, as stressed plants are more susceptible.

Bicolor Song of India: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bicolor song of india 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

How did my indoor plant get spider mites?: Spider mites can travel on your clothes, through open windows, or even on new plants you bring home. They thrive in warm, dry indoor environments.
Do I need to repot the plant?: Usually, no. You can manage the infestation by cleaning the foliage and using a mild insecticide spray.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

Why does my Bicolor Song of India have webbing on the leaves?