When raising roses, there is no bigger headache than red spider. Especially when growing roses indoors on a balcony, red spider is often a recurring problem! So why does this happen? Is there no way to completely eradicate red spider?
Where do red spiders on high-rise balconies come from?
Many florists may wonder why roses on the balcony of a high-rise building are still infected with red spider. Where exactly do these pests come from? Here are three possible sources:
1. Eggs of red spider spider lurking in the soil.
Red spiders overwinter in the soil, which may also contain red spider eggs. When conditions are favorable, these eggs will hatch and cause damage to the rose plant. 2.
2. Newly Bought Plants Carrying Spider Mites or Eggs
In addition to the soil of the original potted plants that may contain red spider eggs, newly purchased roses or other plants may also be a source of red spider. Due to their very small size, red spider mites are hard to detect when they are in small numbers, especially when they are hidden in the soil.
As a result, even if you live on a high floor, potted plants can still have red spider problems. To avoid this, it is recommended that you carry out a full insecticide and ovicide treatment as soon as you purchase new potted flowers or potting soil.
A diluted solution of abamectin pyridaben can be used to fully spray the leaves of the plant, the surroundings and the surface of the potting soil, and to completely eliminate any red spider and its eggs that may be present by root irrigation. All newly-introduced potted flowers and potting soil should be treated in this way to significantly reduce the incidence of red spider.
3. Windborne transmission
In addition to the possible presence of infiltrators in potted plants and soil, windborne transmission is a common way for roses to become infected with red spider. If there is an outbreak of red spider on a neighbor’s potted plant, it is likely that these pests will wind up on your balcony, where they will “set up shop”.
How to stop red spider?
The best way to avoid red spiders completely is to create an environment where they feel uncomfortable. Red spiders prefer hot and dry environments. If we can create a relatively moist environment, even if red spiders come with the wind, they will leave because they are not suitable for survival.
Here are two effective suggestions:
1. Kill all new plants first.
Whether it is roses or other potted plants, they should be fully treated with insecticide and eggicide before entering the house, so as to kill the red spider at the source.
2. Keep the balcony well ventilated and humidified.
Ensure that the balcony is frequently opened for ventilation, while taking care to increase the humidity of the air. Especially in dry seasons like summer and fall, you can increase humidity by spraying water regularly or using an air humidifier. In addition, you can also add vinegar solution to the humidifier, which not only humidifies the air, but also acts as a fungicide to further reduce the incidence of diseases.