Why does your Rhododendron japonicum have fine webbing? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Spider mites thrive in the warm, dry conditions that Japanese Azaleas often experience. They feed on the undersides of leaves, secreting silk that creates fine, characteristic webbing across the foliage.
While less common than spider mites, these microscopic mites can cause leaf distortion and fine silk production in Rhododendron species. They often target the newer, tender growth of the plant.
Severe lack of humidity can cause the fine hairs on Rhododendron leaves to clump or trap dust, which can superficially resemble very light webbing. This is often accompanied by leaf curling and browning edges.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: