Ficus lyrata Fine Webbing - Causes & Fixes

Jump to cause: Spider Mites (Tetranychidae) Low Humidity & Heat Stress

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Spider Mites (Tetranychidae)

The presence of fine webbing is a classic sign of a spider mite infestation, which thrives in the low-humidity environments typical for Ficus lyrata. These tiny arachnids pierce plant cells to feed on sap, causing stippling and eventual leaf drop.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Hold a white piece of paper under a leaf and tap the leaf sharply to see if tiny specks fall onto the paper.

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1 Immediately treat the plant with an organic insecticide to eliminate the spider mite population and kill existing eggs.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

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2 Wipe the leaves thoroughly with a damp cloth to physically remove webbing and mites, then increase local humidity to discourage future infestations.

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3 Monitor soil moisture levels to ensure the plant is not under drought stress, as dry conditions can exacerbate mite activity.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

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Low Humidity & Heat Stress

While webbing is primary a sign of pests, extremely dry air can cause leaves to become brittle and may exacerbate mite populations. Ficus lyrata requires higher humidity to maintain leaf turgidity and prevent environmental stress.

Common

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How to confirm: Use a hygrometer to check if the ambient humidity is consistently below 50%.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Inspect the undersides of leaves for spider mites and treat the infestation with an organic insecticide spray.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Increase ambient humidity around the plant by using a pebble tray or a fine misting spray bottle to prevent leaf brittleness.

Flora Premium Plant Mister