名媛直播

Looks like my Ficus 名媛直播 has Spider Mites. Does anybody know of a home-made/natural remedy for Spider Mites ? I would like to try that before resorting to the commercial, store bought insecticide.

Thank you

There is none. Spider mites are nasty buggers.
You can wash/shower the plant (Put the pot in a plastic bag so it does not get flooded) and spray often. This will reduce, but not eliminate the problem. Typically, spider mites are caused when the ai is too dry and/or the plant is unhealthy. So also fix your care regime so your plant gets stronger & healthy.

So, I got the insecticide and sprayed my bonsai twice, so far, about a week apart. I have also started watering it more frequently, as per your kind advice. Now I'm afraid, I have another question - how can I tell when to stop the treatment for spider mites? The tree doesn't appear to be diseased at first glance; some of the older leaves are partially discolored, but the new ones (and there are quite a few new ones) look perfectly healthy - I had to look really closely to see the tiny spider webs. Also, how long should I wait (when the insecticide is not needed anymore) before doing some maintenance pruning?

use the insecticide as per instructions on the package. The manufacturer knows how and when to apply...
You only prune when needed. For now, first learn how to care for it. Pruning comes later

I am following the instructions on the package - that's why I've been spraying it once a week; what I meant was - how can I tell when I should stop treating the tree for spider mites, how can I tell they are gone (I can't really see the mites, only the very fine web in a couple of places, and even that seems to be already getting better) I'm assuming there's no typical length of treatment, I should be able to see the difference in its overall appearance, but, again, my bonsai looks pretty healthy, and I'm concerned about exposing it to excessive amounts of insecticide ;(

As spiders are not insects, insecticide will not kill them. Make sure that whatever poison you are using is speific for killing Red Spidr Mite. Increasing the humidity will also efectively get rid of them, and is a lot safer.

absolutely right. Should have picked that up myself.

Thank you so much - I really appreciate your feedback
I am using the Schultz's indoor Insecticidal Soap; it seemed like the best choice available - it's surprisingly difficult to find anything bonsai related (tools, information, experienced growers and enthusiasts....) where I live, and getting anything on-line seems like a risky move without a recommendation.
Seems like a little more attention and extra humidity is already helping....

Most things you need are not bonsai related. Certainly pesticides have no link to bonsai.
Glad you have solved the issue.