What causes this fine spider web like strands on fig tree leaves?

Discussion in 'Fruit and Nut Trees' started by sjs, Mar 1, 2025.

  1. sjs

    sjs Active Member

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    I have a fig tree indoors for the winter and I noticed on most of the leaves, there appeared this really fine web like structure all around the edges of the leaves. It doesn't look like a typical spider web because it is so fine and you can barely see the individual strands.

    Does anyone know what causes this? Is it some insect or something the plant produces itself?
     

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  2. Heathen

    Heathen Active Member

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    Spider mites. They like the dry indoor environment.
     
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  3. wcutler

    wcutler Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout 10 Years

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    There is lots written on treating spider mites. Whatever you decide to do, you need to repeat the treatment, I think every few days, until there are no new mites creating new webs. But if you you have other indoor plants, you also need to keep looking them over carefully, as very often the mites will infect more than one plant. If you're hoping to have edible figs, you could consider constantly going at the webs with a cloth and water (after a shower in the tub) rather than treating them with a poison.
     
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  4. sjs

    sjs Active Member

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    Interesting, thanks! Are they harmful at all to the plant? Do they stay in the pots, or do they roam around the house?
     
  5. Sulev

    Sulev Contributor

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  6. wcutler

    wcutler Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout 10 Years

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    I'm not sure if the damage would extend to killing the plant, but they do damage the leaves, which would affect the nutrition the tree gets and affected plants get to look really unattractive. The mites are very tiny, too small to see if they're roaming around the house, but they do get themselves from one plant to another. Here what seems like a good article:
    How to recognize and manage spider mites in the home garden | OSU Extension Service

    Edited - Sulev's posting got in while I was typing mine - I did not see it before I posted my link. I am not suggesting my link is better than his.
     
    Last edited: Mar 1, 2025

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