Spider Mites on Houseplants: How to Spot Them, Stop Them and Keep Them from Coming Back

A Note on Bugs, Balance and Living with Nature

If you’re keeping houseplants, you’re already inviting life into your home — and sometimes that means more life than you bargained for.

We believe it’s important to recognise that a few bugs are not just normal, they’re part of a bigger picture. Creating a warm, bright, humid space that’s perfect for tropical plants also creates the kind of environment that native creatures love. Spiders, woodlice, fruit flies, bumblebees, even the occasional wasp — these are all part of the wider ecosystem we live in. And while they may not be welcome guests on your Monstera, they’re not always something to panic about either.

At Happy Houseplants, we don’t believe in a scorched earth approach. We’re not trying to wipe out every living thing that happens to pass through the house. Harsh pesticides, sterile environments, and unrealistic expectations don’t align with our values — or with nature. And anyone who tells you they have a home full of plants and no bugs at all is probably not being entirely honest.

Some tiny insects will always find their way in — especially in summer — and most are just passing through. If you spot a house spider lurking under a shelf or a beetle minding its business on a leaf, try to resist the urge to squash or spray. They’re part of the world too.

That said, infestations are a different story. If you’re seeing persistent bugs, sticky leaves, or damage to your plants, it’s usually a sign that something in your care routine is encouraging them to settle in — most often overwatering or poor airflow. That’s where our guides come in. We’ll help you spot the warning signs, understand what’s going on, and make simple adjustments to stop things getting out of hand.

So yes, some bugs are okay. They’re part of the deal. But no one wants to live in a bug hotel either. If it’s reached that point, we’ll help you get back to balance — gently, honestly, and with respect for all the lives in your little indoor ecosystem.

Spider Mites on Houseplants: How to Spot Them, Stop Them and Keep Them from Coming Back

If your houseplant leaves are looking a bit faded or dusty and you’ve spotted fine webbing stretched between stems, you might be dealing with spider mites. These tiny arachnids are a common pest indoors — especially during the dry heat of winter or the hot, still days of summer.

They’re not dangerous, and they don’t bite, but they can cause real stress for your plants if left untreated. The good news? They’re manageable. This guide will help you identify spider mites, understand why they’ve turned up, and give you simple, effective ways to bring your plants back to health.

What Are Spider Mites?

Spider mites are not insects but arachnids, which means they’re more closely related to spiders and ticks. They feed by piercing plant cells and sucking out the sap — and while they’re hard to spot with the naked eye, the signs they leave behind are usually obvious once you know what to look for.

There are several species, but the two-spotted spider mite is the most common in UK homes. Despite the name, not all are red — some are pale, some greenish, and some barely visible at all.

Signs You Might Have Spider Mites

• Leaves look speckled, silvery or faded
• Fine webbing between stems, leaf joints or undersides
• Tiny dots moving slowly on the leaf surface
• Leaf edges curling or dropping early
• Dusty appearance that doesn’t wipe off easily

If your Calathea, Ficus or Alocasia is suddenly struggling despite good care, this is one of the first pests to rule out.

What Causes Spider Mites in Houseplants?

Spider mites thrive in warm, dry, low-humidity environments. They’re more likely to appear when:

• Rooms are overheated or poorly ventilated

• Plants are stressed or underwatered

• Air is dry from central heating or hot weather

• Leaves are dusty or rarely cleaned

• There’s little airflow between plants

They don’t usually arrive with plants from trusted suppliers — more often they hitch a ride in from outside or lie dormant until the right conditions wake them up.

How to Get Rid of Spider Mites Gently and Effectively

Start simple. In most cases, a few adjustments and a bit of manual care are all it takes.

1. Rinse your plant
Take it to the sink or shower and gently rinse the leaves, paying attention to the undersides and stems. Lukewarm water works best.

2. Wipe the leaves
Use a damp microfibre cloth, sponge or cotton pad to clean away mites, webs and residue. Be gentle but thorough.

3. Raise the humidity
Spider mites hate moist air. Mist the plant daily, use a pebble tray, group plants together or run a small humidifier nearby.

4. Isolate the plant
Move it away from others while you’re treating it, just in case.

5. Repeat as needed
One rinse and wipe won’t always be enough. Stick with it over several days and monitor the plant’s progress.

If you’ve done all this and the problem persists, a natural plant-safe spray may help tip the balance — but most infestations can be solved without it.

How to Prevent Spider Mites Returning

• Wipe leaves every week to remove dust and eggs
• Avoid letting the soil dry out completely
• Increase airflow around your plants
• Raise humidity during winter and hot spells
• Inspect new plants before placing them near others
• Quarantine new arrivals for a couple of weeks

Prevention is really about balance — the more stable your care, the less attractive your plant becomes to pests.

FAQs About Spider Mites on Indoor Plants

Q: Are spider mites harmful to humans?
A: No. They don’t bite, sting or carry disease. They’re a plant problem only.

Q: Can I use washing-up liquid to treat spider mites?
A: A very mild soap solution can help, but be cautious. Some plants don’t tolerate it well. Always test a small area first.

Q: Will they spread to my other plants?
A: They can. Spider mites crawl and spin threads between leaves. Isolate infested plants and check nearby ones closely.

Q: Do I need to throw the plant away?
A: Not unless it’s severely damaged. Most plants bounce back well once the mites are gone and the conditions are improved.

Q: How did they get in?
A: They can drift in through open windows or hitch a ride on clothes, pets or other plants. Sometimes they’re already present in tiny numbers and become active when the environment suits them.

Back to Balance

Spider mites can be annoying, but they’re not a disaster. With calm, consistent care and a few adjustments, most plants recover quickly. It’s all about understanding what caused the problem in the first place and giving your plant the conditions it needs to fight back. Keep the humidity up, the leaves clean, and the stress low — and you’ll rarely see them again.

Find this guide helpful? There’s more advice like this in our UK houseplant care blog — or head back to our Pest Help hub for tips on everything from aphids to fungus gnats.