Can I just wash the mites off?

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

Will these pests kill my plant?

If left untreated for a long time, yes. They suck the sap from the leaves, which eventually causes the plant to weaken and drop its foliage.

Song of India: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves with a magnifying glass.
Check for fine webbing near the leaf joints.
Wipe the leaves with a wet paper towel to see if any pests come off.

Likely causes

Spider Mites
Most likely
How to tell: You will see fine, dusty webbing between leaves and small yellow stippling on the foliage. Look closely at the leaf undersides for tiny, slow moving specks.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the webs and mites. Spray the plant thoroughly with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days until the pests are gone.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The plant looks stressed and the air around it feels very dry. Mites thrive in these conditions.
What to do: Group your plants together to create a more humid microclimate. You can also place a pebble tray with water under the pot to boost moisture levels.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your 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

If you see heavy webbing covering the entire plant, it is a severe infestation that requires immediate treatment. A few mites are manageable, but they spread quickly.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy by wiping the leaves monthly and maintaining consistent humidity. Avoid placing the plant directly in front of heating vents.

Song of India: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your 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

Can I just wash the mites off?: Washing helps, but it rarely removes every egg. You must follow up with a treatment like neem oil to ensure they do not return.
Will these pests kill my plant?: If left untreated for a long time, yes. They suck the sap from the leaves, which eventually causes the plant to weaken and drop its foliage.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

Why are there tiny webs on my Song of India?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your song of india?