Are spider mites harmful?

Yes, they suck the sap from the leaves, which weakens the plant and causes leaf drop.

Do I need to move the plant?

Isolate it from other plants to prevent the mites from spreading while you treat it.

Why are there pests on my Japanese skimmia? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely at the undersides of the leaves with a magnifying glass.
Check for fine webbing between the stems.
See if the leaves look dusty or speckled.

Likely causes

Spider Mites
Most likely
How to tell: You will see tiny yellow stippling on the leaves and fine, silky webs between stems.
What to do: Spray the plant thoroughly with a strong stream of water to knock them off. Follow up with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days for 3 weeks.
Scale Insects
Possible
How to tell: Small, brown, bump like structures appear on the stems or undersides of leaves.
What to do: Gently scrape off the scales with a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For heavy infestations, use a horticultural oil spray.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your japanese skimmia

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 dropping, the infestation is severe. Minor spots are manageable with consistent treatment.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant well watered and mist the foliage occasionally to increase humidity.

Japanese skimmia: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your japanese skimmia 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?: Yes, they suck the sap from the leaves, which weakens the plant and causes leaf drop.
Do I need to move the plant?: Isolate it from other plants to prevent the mites from spreading while you treat it.

Why are there pests on my Japanese skimmia?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your japanese skimmia?

Likely causes

Spider Mites

Scale Insects

Find out what's wrong with your japanese skimmia

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Japanese skimmia: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Japanese skimmia