i think i have spider mites.

pillsPMD

i have little black dots on some leaves... but not all. and also, two leaves have fallen off of my firethorn that appears otherwise healthy.
i just noticed a single strand of white "thread" like material going from one leave to another. i misted the leaves.


i just repotted this tree into a glazed pot from a nursery container.

but another question: could i have just gotten the spider mites, can they set on in like two days? or do you think they were already there when i bought them from the bonsai store?

PLEASE HELP!

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TreeBay

Hold a piece of white paper under the tree and tap the leaves over it. If the specks fall off and leave red streaks when you smear with a fingertip, you've got mites.

They really dislike being misted. There are different methods of control, including dormant sprays, oils, pyrethrin or something stronger like isotox or malathion. You can learn more at bonsaiTALK Links if you type in SPIDER MITES or look under Pests & Disease there.

This spider mite link, in particular is pretty good:

http://www.evergreengardenworks.com/mites.htm

Usually the mites leave behind a very, very fine webbing particularly around the new growing tips. Stray strands may just indicate the presence of a common spider, which is a companion most bonsai trees tend to have.

Regards,

Matt

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