What Does It Mean When the Leaves on a Strawberry Begonia Plant Curve?

Description

• Both broad and cyclamen mites are members of the arachnid family and are closely related to spiders. These tiny pests are so small that you'll see their damage, but won't be likely see the pests without a hand lens or microscope. Most plants are infested in the greenhouse, and then spread mites to any plants they touch in the home or garden.

Lifecycle

• Cyclamen mites thrive in cool temperatures and high humidity, while broad mites prefer higher temperature and drier air. Female cyclamen mites live for about a month and lay about 60 eggs during that time. Eggs are laid in dark, protected crevices. Broad mites lay between 30 to 75 eggs in as little as a week. They lay their eggs on the surface of leaves. Indoors, generations are indefinite. Outdoors, mites overwinter as eggs.

Damage

• Cyclamen mites cause leaves to curl inward because they suck sap from leaf tissue. Leaves may also be pitted, puckered and streaked. Flowers shrivel and buds often never open. Broad mites also cause downward-curling leaves. They inject toxin as they feed that causes leaves to become hardened and brittle. Lower leaf surfaces sometimes develop a bronzed look, because of broad mite feeding.

Control

• Mites are spread on hands, clothing, dirt and gardening tools, so it is important to quarantine infected plants as soon as you notice them. Prune infected leaves and stems, and clean up any fallen leaves or flowers. Thinning plantings reduces overcrowding and improves airflow. If you have a number of potted plants together, move them apart. Miticides with the chemicals abamectin, chlorfenapyr, fenpyroximate or spiramesifen as active ingredients are helpful against mites. Always use chemicals in strict accordance to the manufacturer's instructions.