Can I just wash the mites off?

A strong spray of water can help reduce the population, but it rarely removes all of them. You should follow up with neem oil to ensure you kill the eggs.

Will these pests kill my plant?

If left untreated for a long time, they can weaken the plant significantly and cause it to lose all its leaves. Catching them early makes recovery very easy.

Why are there tiny webs on my ginger lily? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny moving specks.
Check for fine webbing between the leaf joints.
Feel the soil to see if it has been allowed to dry out too much.

Likely causes

Spider mites
Most likely
How to tell: Look for tiny stippling or yellow dots on the leaves and fine webbing between stems. You might see the mites moving if you look closely with a magnifying glass.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Spray the plant thoroughly with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until the infestation is gone. Increase humidity around the plant to make the environment less hospitable for them.
Dry air
Possible
How to tell: The leaves look dull and the edges might start to crisp up. This environment encourages mite populations to explode.
What to do: Mist the leaves daily or place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Keep the plant away from heating vents or drafty windows.

Find out what's wrong with your ginger lily

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 the leaves are turning yellow or dropping off, the infestation is severe and needs immediate treatment. A few mites are manageable, but they spread quickly.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your ginger lily well watered and mist the foliage regularly to maintain high humidity. Check the leaves every week for early signs of pests.

Keep your ginger lily healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can I just wash the mites off?: A strong spray of water can help reduce the population, but it rarely removes all of them. You should follow up with neem oil to ensure you kill the eggs.
Will these pests kill my plant?: If left untreated for a long time, they can weaken the plant significantly and cause it to lose all its leaves. Catching them early makes recovery very easy.

Why are there tiny webs on my ginger lily?