Solving Spider Mites in Cut Flowers
Sep 01, 2025
Spider mites can show up early in the season—and they don’t need much to get started. Spotting them early helps protect your crop and avoid costly pressure.
In spring bedding and cut flower crops, spider mites often appear during early growth stages—especially in warm environments where airflow is limited and scouting can be tricky. These mites can quickly escalate from subtle leaf speckling to dense webbing and visible damage.
Scout young plants regularly—look for tiny yellow or white speckling on leaves, fine webbing tucked into leaf joints or stems, and signs of mite movement. Pay close attention to warm, dry zones with limited airflow, especially on species like Gerbera, Mandevilla, and Hedera. Misting lightly can help reveal hidden webbing or mite activity before it spreads.
If you're seeing signs of pressure, bottle formulations like Spidex and Spical should be applied directly to affected areas. These predators feed on all life stages and work quickly to reduce pressure. Once things are under control—or if you're currently managing the problem with a spray—preventative sachets can be brought in to help clean up and protect against future pressure.
Isarid is a mycoinsecticide that can help bridge the gap between spraying and introducing beneficials. It’s compatible with biocontrols and supports a smoother transition. Sachets are especially useful on spider mite-attractive species and should be placed near leaf joints or tucked into foliage.
Want to learn more about how to solve spider mites? Check out our article Solving Spider Mites for identification tips, treatment strategies, and biocontrol recommendations—all in one place.
Some chemicals negate the effects of beneficial controls. If you’re navigating the shift from chemical to biological control, we’re here to help—just reach out to us at orders@koppert.com or simply message our live agents through the chat box in the bottom right hand corner of the screen.
Treating a large space and looking for expert advice on IPM strategy? Just fill out our contact us form Personal Service Inquiry | Natural Enemies and we’ll reach out with tailored support to help you build a plan that works.
