Spider Mites & Cannabis

If you’ve ever been checking your leaves and you’ve had that feeling in your stomach – “Wait… Is that a movement?” – Then you already have a good idea of what this feels like. Spider mites on cannabis plants are one of those things that start out almost invisible, very hard to detect, and before you know it, they’ve taken over. These little buggers are stealthy. They take healthy, vibrant-looking growth and transform it into tired, speckled messes.

What are Cannabis Mites Really?

Spider mites are tiny sap-sucking mites (arachnids) that feed off of the cell contents of plants. This causes the telltale dusty, stippled appearance we associate with spider mite damage.

The First Signs

You’ll rarely find the mites themselves. You will, however, see the damage they are doing.

• Speckling/stippling: tiny pale dots spread across leaves
• Loss of sheen / dull leaves: A dull, tired looking plant.
• Un-even Yellowing: not the nice, even pattern you would expect from nutrient deficiencies.
• Webbing Between Leaf Edges/nodes: usually a late stage indicator, not an early one.

Fast ID: Is it Spider Mites or Something Else?

How Easy Are Spider Mites to Spread?

Spider mites spread easily, especially when a few small mistakes: a stressed plant, overcrowding in a canopy, poor hygiene practices, and adding one new plant to the garden without consideration. The worst part is, you could do 90% of everything else right, but the other 10% will still screw you.

What Do You Do Next?

1. Confirm What You Have.
2. Prevent Cross-Contact – Assume They Will Move Around Faster Than You Think.
3. Follow Reputable Guidance for Your Region and Plant Type.

FAQ

Are spider mites dangerous to people?
They are mainly a pest of plants. However, large populations of spider mites can lead to messy debris and stress related issues.

Can spider mites be misidentified as nutrient deficiencies?
Yes. Stippling and leaf decline can appear similar to deficiency based upon how quickly a decision is made. Therefore, identifying the root of the problem is essential.

Why do spider mites’ cannabis problems continue to come back?
Because the same conditions of environment and behavior for their growth still persist — and as a result, incomplete answers do not address the whole lifecycle.

Quality Starts with Knowing What You’re Buying

If you are interested in quality then you are already going the right direction — by taking an interest at the beginning.

That is why we at Canna City have been working towards providing quality cannabis products clearly labeled along with description so you can discover your preferred product and be confident about it.