Rhododendron arboreum Fine Webbing - Causes & Fixes

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Spider Mites (Tetranychidae)

The presence of fine webbing on the undersides of leaves is a classic sign of a spider mite infestation. These microscopic pests pierce plant cells to suck out sap, causing stippling and eventual leaf drop in Rhododendron arboreum.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Tap a leaf over a white piece of paper to see if tiny crawling dots fall off.

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1 Apply an organic insecticide or miticide to the plant, ensuring you spray the undersides of the leaves where the mites and webbing reside.

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2 Physically remove visible webbing and mites by rinsing the foliage with a strong stream of water to reduce the pest population.

3 Increase humidity around the plant, as spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions; consider using a fine mist spray.

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Broad Mites

While they do not produce visible webs like spider mites, broad mite damage often accompanies other pest issues and can cause leaf distortion that makes webbing appear more prominent due to structural changes in the foliage.

Common

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How to confirm: Inspect new growth for thickened, distorted, or 'cupped' leaves.

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1 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the foliage to eliminate mites and prevent further leaf distortion.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

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2 Thoroughly inspect the undersides of leaves and new growth for any signs of secondary pest infestations.

3 Prune and dispose of heavily distorted or damaged leaves to reduce the pest population and improve airflow.

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Environmental Stress (Low Humidity)

Extremely dry conditions can cause Rhododendron arboreum foliage to become brittle; if combined with a secondary pest outbreak due to weakened plant immunity, the webbing becomes highly visible.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the ambient humidity has dropped significantly or if the tree is in direct, drying sunlight.

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1 Increase local humidity around the plant to prevent foliage from becoming brittle and to strengthen the plant's natural defenses.

Flora Premium Plant Mister

Spray Bottles

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2 Inspect the undersides of leaves for spider mites and treat any visible webbing or pests with an organic insecticide/miticide spray.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz