Hi....one thing that I have learned about mites is they are every where....
under the leaves...
on the stems of the leaves, trunks of the plants...
under the rim of the pots...
in the pot trays....
on pot hangers...
on plant stands...
if you dollies ar table covers with lace...in the lace and clothe....
as I said they are every where.....
I have washed everything the plant and pot touches or is near....good luck...I have had these little beggers...not easy to get rid of....linda

thanks for reply. i most definitely did clean my plant area. wiped area down.

i guess i will be diligent in this little war. hopefully i win, i dont want a reapeat of last year, i had to toss numerous plants out because of heavyyy infestation of mites. :(

Spider mites can come from anywhere. They thrive in dry conditions and they really love certain plants. They are easy to control by spraying them with water and keeping the air around the plant as humid as possible (which is difficult in a house). You had the right idea soaking them, but you don't want to soak your plants too often, because then root rot and soil gnats will become problems.

I have a few plants that get spider mites during the winter. I spray those plants a few times a week to keep the spider mites from infesting them. I use a mist spray bottle with a little bit of ivory soap in it. For heavy infestations, I will wipe the leaves with a damp cloth, soaking the cloth in soapy water between each leaf. Not all plants will get spider mite, so it's easier to just focus on treating the plants that have them, and try to keep others at a distance.

Amy

thanks amy. i have been spraying and wiping more often. and i have yet to see any mites.. i think i won im so happy.

seems quick though. ill keep an eye on my stromanthe.