Rhododendron simsii Fine Webbing - Causes & Fixes

Jump to cause: Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae) Southern Yellow Sticky Melolonet (or other Eriophyid Mites) Thrips Infestation

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Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae)

These microscopic arachnids thrive in the warm, dry conditions often experienced by Rhododendrons. They pierce individual cells of the Indian Azalea leaves to suck out contents, leaving behind fine silk webbing and stippled white/yellow spots.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Tap a leaf over a white piece of paper; if tiny moving dots fall off, it is likely spider mites.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply an organic miticide or insecticide to eliminate the spider mite population and destroy eggs and larvae.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

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

Flora Premium Plant Mister

Spray Bottles

$12

In Stock

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

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Southern Yellow Sticky Melolonet (or other Eriophyid Mites)

While less common than Two-Spotted mites, Eriophyid mites can produce fine, almost invisible webbing that causes leaf distortion and discoloration on Azalea species.

Common

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How to confirm: Examine the underside of new growth for extremely fine, felt-like patches or tiny bumps.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply an organic miticide or insecticide spray to the plant to eliminate the mites and their eggs.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Place yellow sticky traps near the plant to capture adult mites and monitor for further infestations.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

$7

In Stock

3 Prune and dispose of any heavily distorted or infested leaves to prevent the webbing from spreading to healthy foliage.

Fiskars 5/8" Bypass Pruning Shears

Cutting Tools

$13

In Stock

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Thrips Infestation

While thrips are primarily known for scarring and silverscent leaves, heavy infestations can sometimes result in a subtle silk-like appearance due to accumulated frass and disturbed leaf surfaces.

Common

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How to confirm: Look for tiny, slender black or yellow insects moving rapidly along the leaf veins.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply an organic insecticide to eliminate the thrips population and prevent further damage to the foliage.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Inspect the plant closely for any other pests and wipe down leaves with a damp cloth to remove accumulated frass and debris.

3 Ensure the plant is in a well-ventilated area to reduce the humidity that can favor pest development.