Rhododendron atlanticum Fine Webbing - Causes & Fixes

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Spider Mites (Tetranychidae)

The presence of fine webbing is a classic sign of spider mite infestation, where tiny arachnids spin silk to protect themselves and their eggs. In Atlantic Azaleas, these mites thrive in hot, dry conditions and feed on the undersides of leaves, causing stippling.

Very Common

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

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

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2 Increase local humidity and avoid hot, dry air by misting the foliage regularly to create an environment less favorable to spider mites.

Flora Premium Plant Mister

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3 Gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth to physically remove webbing and any remaining mites from the plant surface.

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Cheeseworm or Leafroller Larvae

Certain lepidopteran larvae create silken webs or 'rolls' to construct a protective shelter while feeding on the tender foliage of Rhododendrons. The webbing acts as a structural component for their retreat and can be quite visible among the leaves.

Common

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How to confirm: Gently pull apart the webbed area to look for small green caterpillars hiding inside the leaf folds.

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1 Manually remove and dispose of any visible silken webs or rolled leaves to destroy the larvae's protective shelters.

2 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the foliage to target any remaining larvae and prevent further feeding damage.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

3 For acid-loving plants like Rhododendrons, ensure the soil remains healthy by using a specialized fertilizer to help the plant recover from foliage loss.

FoxFarm Happy Frog Acid Loving Plant Fertilizer

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High Humidity/Fungal Hyphae

In extremely humid environments, certain fungal species can produce visible mycelial networks that may appear as fine, hair-like webbing across leaf surfaces. This is often accompanied by darkened spots or soft rot on the Atlantic Azalea's foliage.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the 'webbing' feels more like a fuzzy growth and if there are underlying dark lesions on the leaves.

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1 Apply an organic fungicide to eliminate the fungal mycelium and prevent the spread of soft rot.