Why does your Cantua buxifolia have fine webbing? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The presence of fine webbing on Cantua buxifolia is a classic sign of spider mites, which thrive in the warm, dry conditions often experienced by this species. These arachnids pierce the plant cells to feed, causing stippling and structural silk production.
In many climates, this specific mite species attacks woody shrubs like Cantua when humidity levels drop too low. The webbing becomes more dense as the colony grows, often obscuring the tubular flowers.
While not a primary cause of webbing, extreme aridity can trigger a physiological stress response that makes Cantua buxifolia more susceptible to secondary mite outbreaks. The lack of moisture allows mites to thrive without being washed off by dew or rain.