Why does your Abutilon striatum have fine webbing? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Spider mites are the most common cause of fine webbing on Abutilon species, especially in warm, dry conditions. They feed on the undersides of leaves, injecting saliva that destroys plant cells and results in characteristic stippling.
While less common than the two-spotted variety, these mites create silk webs that can envelop Abutilon foliage during periods of low humidity. They thrive in the sheltered, humid microclimates often found within the dense foliage of Abutilon striatum.
While not a biological pest, extreme dehydration can cause the plant's fine trichomes (hairs) and silk-producing mites to become more visible as leaf structure weakens. This often coincides with spider mite outbreaks in indoor environments.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: