Good deal?

13 years ago

I was in Lowe's today and yes, had to compulsively swing through the plant department when I saw an employee marking down plants. She marked a large nummarloides (sp?) down to $2.00! I actually hesitated prior to buying it because it looks as though it might have of all things, spider mites. I say might because rather than overall mottling the leaves have minute yellow spots than remind me of extremely fine spray paint over-spray. This is one of the few times I wish had stronger technology skills so that I could post a photo. The plant was also bone dry with several dead leaves at the top.

I've cleaned out the dead leaves and sprayed it down with dish soap and water. I also have NEEM and may use it if the soap does not work. I also have a systemic but hate to use it indoors. My questions:

1. For those of you who have nummalroides, does it have tiny yellow spots? Maybe tiny yellow spots are normal?

2. Several of the stems either have dried penducles or look as though they've lost a few sets of leaves. Could the stems that look as though they've lost a few sets of leaves actually be green peducles? I guess what I'm wondering is whether I should trim them back.

Thanks for your thoughts and opinions!

Lisa

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Comments (3)

greedygh0st
13 years ago
It does sound like spider mites to me. My nummularioides does not have anything resembling yellow spots. It's a pure soft apple green. Whenever I see these guys I spray with a 1:3 rubbing alcohol and water mixture, making sure to get all surfaces. I'm sure there are other solutions, but this one has always been effective for me. Be sure to isolate the plant and keep it moist and as humid as you can, since mites like it dry.

Mine hasn't flowered yet, so I can't comment on the peduncles. Good luck! ^_^
gennykins
Original Author
13 years ago
GG-

I shall try the alcohol mix - many thanks!!

Lisa
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peanut01
13 years ago
Lisa,

I suspect it has just been sitting in the store for a while and forgotten. Possibly under watered for a while. Maybe the mix completely dried. Does the water pour straight out the bottom of the pot when you soak it? Or does the water take some time to soak in before you see it come out the bottom of the pot? I feel that the mix used for EA plants is great if in the summer it gets plenty of water, and during the winter you have to be sure to water frequently but smaller amounts assuming you move the plant indoors. If the mix is ever allowed to dry out completely it becomes hydrophobic. I have never noticed spider mites on my nummalroides, but have noticed them on Multiflora and a Carnosa. They usually congregate on the peduncles on the Multiflora and on the new growth on the carnosa. I usually just squish them and leave their bodies there. It takes awhile for their population to build up again. GG's advice is great as well.

-David