Why does your Lilium Oriental Thames have fine webbing? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Spider mites are the most common cause of fine silken webbing on Lilium species, especially in warm, dry conditions. They pierce the lily petals and leaves to suck out cell contents, leading to stippling and eventual necrosis.
Specifically prevalent in ornamental lilies, these mites thrive in low humidity environments. The webbing serves as a protective microclimate for the colony as they migrate across the Thames Lily's large blooms and foliage.
While less likely to cause damage, some predatory mites can be seen in webbing environments. However, if the lily shows signs of decline alongside the web, it is almost certainly a pest infestation rather than beneficial insects.