I've been fighting red spider mites, aphids all summer long and have had so/ so results in ridding my plants off them. I've just sprayed with orthenex insect and disease control (fungicide). Will see if that is any better. I'm afraid of spraying something that may damage them. Any suggestions? or a regiment that best works.

RobertB

I use a 5 gallon bucket of water mixed with 10--12 ounces of Murphy's oil soap.Turn the pot upside down and let the loose stuff fall to the ground then dip the plant down to the soil level.Don't wet the soil itself.This kills all the tiny livestock and doesn't hurt the plant.Keep a cheap kitchen sieve handy for skimming off the loose stuff you did not let fall to the ground before dipping.If there are eggs,a second dip a week later may be necessary.

Lucky me, I have VERY efficient predatory wasps! I was watching one this morning, patiently going over every leaf.

Spider mites hate water, maybe you can try spraying the plants gently and thoroughly with plain water.

Actually, I would give dipped plants, JT's suggestion, a bit of a spray an hour or two after dipping. Soap and oil frighten me, in behalf of my adeniums

thanks for the tip!

I should add to my original post thet this is soap and NOT detergent.Detergent does not work and can damage some plants.

Thanks for that tip I finally got a handle on them but I will remember that for my next infestation I finally got rid of them by pulling all of the bugged leaves and sticking them in a bucket of water then I sprayed with liquid seven ....I know a dreaded chemical but my plants were in the greenhouse and it was spreading from one to the other I will remember that one for sure I always have Murphy's on hand.