Are these bugs harmful to pets?

Spider mites are not harmful to pets, but the plant itself is toxic if ingested. Keep it out of reach of curious animals.

Do I need to isolate the plant?

Yes, move the infested plant away from your other houseplants immediately. Mites can spread quickly to your other greenery.

Umbrella Tree: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look for fine webbing on the undersides of leaves.
Check for tiny moving dots on the stems.
Wipe the leaves to see if any pests come off on the cloth.

Likely causes

Spider Mites
Most likely
How to tell: You see fine, dusty webbing between the leaves and stems. The leaves may look speckled or yellow.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil once a week until the infestation is gone.
Dry Indoor Air
Possible
How to tell: The plant is in a very dry room, which encourages spider mites to thrive. You might notice the leaves losing their luster.
What to do: Increase humidity around the plant by grouping it with others or using a pebble tray. Misting the leaves occasionally can also help deter these pests.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your umbrella tree

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 whole plant, it is a severe infestation that requires immediate treatment. Small numbers are easier to manage.

Stopping it coming back

Regularly wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean and discourage pests from settling in.

Umbrella Tree: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your umbrella tree 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 these bugs harmful to pets?: Spider mites are not harmful to pets, but the plant itself is toxic if ingested. Keep it out of reach of curious animals.
Do I need to isolate the plant?: Yes, move the infested plant away from your other houseplants immediately. Mites can spread quickly to your other greenery.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

How do I get rid of pests on my Umbrella Tree?