Can I use soap to kill the mites?

Yes, a mild solution of water and a few drops of dish soap works well. Spray the leaves thoroughly, especially the undersides, and rinse them off after a few minutes.

Will my plant recover from spider mites?

Yes, if you catch the infestation early, the plant will bounce back. It may take a few weeks for new, healthy leaves to emerge.

Peacock plant: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely at the undersides of the leaves for tiny moving specks.
Check for fine webbing near the leaf joints.
Wipe the leaves with a wet paper towel to see if any residue comes off.

Likely causes

Dry Air
Most likely
How to tell: You see fine, dusty webbing between the stems or under the leaves. The leaves may also look pale or have tiny white dots.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Increase the humidity around the plant immediately to make the environment less hospitable for them.
Poor Air Circulation
Possible
How to tell: Stagnant air allows mite populations to explode quickly. You might notice the plant looks dull and loses its vibrant color.
What to do: Gently move the plant to a spot with better airflow but no direct drafts. Use a neem oil spray once a week for 3 weeks to eliminate any remaining pests.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your peacock 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 and the leaves are turning yellow or dropping, the infestation is severe. Isolate the plant immediately to protect your other houseplants.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the leaves clean by wiping them down monthly and maintain high humidity to discourage mite activity.

Peacock plant: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your peacock 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 soap to kill the mites?: Yes, a mild solution of water and a few drops of dish soap works well. Spray the leaves thoroughly, especially the undersides, and rinse them off after a few minutes.
Will my plant recover from spider mites?: Yes, if you catch the infestation early, the plant will bounce back. It may take a few weeks for new, healthy leaves to emerge.

Why does my Peacock plant have spider mites?