Are spider mites harmful to my plant?

Yes, they suck the sap from the leaves, which weakens the plant and causes it to lose vigor. Left untreated, they can cause significant leaf drop.

Do I need to use harsh chemicals?

No, you can usually control them with water sprays and organic options like neem oil. Avoid harsh pesticides that might harm beneficial insects.

Why does my Sunshine Mimosa have pests? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny moving specks.
Look for fine webbing between the leaflets.
Check if the leaves look pale or speckled.

Likely causes

Spider Mites
Most likely
How to tell: You will see fine, silky webbing between the stems and leaves. The foliage may look stippled or pale.
What to do: Spray the plant thoroughly with a strong stream of water to knock the mites off. Follow up with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days until they are gone.
Dry Conditions
Possible
How to tell: The plant is in a very hot, dry spot with no humidity. The leaves look dusty and dull.
What to do: Increase humidity by misting the surrounding area or ensuring the plant gets a good soak during dry spells. Keep the plant hydrated to help it resist infestations.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your powderpuff

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

Small numbers of mites are easy to manage, but heavy webbing means the infestation is severe. Treat immediately to prevent the plant from losing too much foliage.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with consistent watering and check it regularly during hot, dry summer weeks.

Powderpuff: pests? Check yours with a photo

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

Are spider mites harmful to my plant?: Yes, they suck the sap from the leaves, which weakens the plant and causes it to lose vigor. Left untreated, they can cause significant leaf drop.
Do I need to use harsh chemicals?: No, you can usually control them with water sprays and organic options like neem oil. Avoid harsh pesticides that might harm beneficial insects.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

Why does my Sunshine Mimosa have pests?