Rhododendron edgeworthii 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 spider mite infestation, which thrives in hot, dry conditions. These tiny arachnids pierce the plant cells to feed on the sap, leading to stippling and eventual leaf drop.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Hold a white piece of paper underneath a branch and tap it to see if tiny specks begin crawling on the paper.

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

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

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2 Increase humidity around the plant and avoid hot, dry air, as spider mites thrive in arid environments.

Flora Premium Plant Mister

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3 Prune and dispose of heavily infested or dead foliage to prevent the mites from spreading to healthy parts of the plant.

Fiskars 5/8" Bypass Pruning Shears

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Broad Mites ( Eriophyidae)

While less likely to produce extensive silk webs, broad mites cause structural deformities and can contribute to a fine, dusty appearance or secondary webbing from other pests. They specifically target the tender new growth of Rhododendron species.

Common

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How to confirm: Inspect new, emerging leaves for abnormal thickening, curling, or a distorted growth pattern.

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1 Inspect new growth for structural deformities, such as stunted or thickened leaves, and prune away any heavily infested or distorted foliage to reduce mite populations.

2 Apply an organic miticide/insecticide spray to the plant, ensuring thorough coverage of the undersides of leaves and tender new growth to eliminate mites.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

3 Monitor the plant's moisture levels to ensure the soil remains consistently moist but well-drained, as stress can make plants more susceptible to infestations.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

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Secondary Fungal Growth (e.g., Botrytis)

In very high humidity, fine fungal filaments can sometimes be mistaken for webbing, especially if the plant is stressed by spider mites. This typically accompanies decaying organic matter or dead leaf tissue on the Woolly Rhododendron.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the 'webbing' is accompanied by fuzzy, greyish mold growth on dead flower petals or leaves.

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1 Remove and discard all dead, decaying leaves and organic matter from the base of the plant to eliminate the breeding ground for fungal growth.

2 Apply an organic fungicide spray to treat the fungal filaments and protect healthy plant tissue.