Why does your Chrysanthemum Pico Helado have fine webbing? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
The presence of fine webbing is a hallmark sign of spider mites, which thrive in the warm, dry conditions often found in Chrysanthemum greenhouses. These pests pierce plant cells to suck out sap, leading to stippling and eventual webbing that can bridge flower heads and stems.
While less common than spider mites, cyclamen mites can cause structural changes in Chrysanthemum foliage that may appear as fine silken threads or distorted growth. They primarily attack the tender buds and emerging leaves of the 'Pico Helado' variety.
Extremely low ambient humidity can cause the plant's microclimate to become dry, which not only encourages mite outbreaks but can sometimes lead to fine, desiccated leaf edges that mimic a webbed appearance. This is particularly common in indoor settings with heavy air conditioning.