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Posted 2M ago by @Catplantaddict

Bought my first Croton 'Petra'! It has a minor spider mit...

I bought this for $25 USD and quickly discovered it had a small (I mean SMALL) spider mites infestation. I have dealt with spider mites before, so I believe I can easily drive them off. Though this is my first one of its kind I had ever gotten, so I'll need some care tips for it. Also, I need help picking a name.
#happyplants #plantsmakepeoplehappy #plantaddict #planttherapy #plantcorner #plantlove #iloveplants #newgrowth #planttlc #greggang #adhdplantlovers #croton
8ft to light, indirect
9โ€ pot with drainage
Last watered 2 weeks ago
Congratulations on your Croton Petra!

I had one a while ago who sadly died because of spider mites. She was my favorite plant. Her name was Xanthe.

Iโ€™d use neem oil for the spider mites. Best of luck!
@Catplantaddict how coincidental. I just got a tiny one in a terrarium set of 12 plants I bought. I didnโ€™t do them in a terrarium though, I potted them all up separate. I named mine Petra. I know not very creative but I was adding 20 something plants the other day and ran out of ideas. Iโ€™ve never had to deal with spider mites yet and ๐Ÿคž๐ŸปI never will. Some of my favorite names for your plant are Chance, Jericho, Malibu Skye or Lulu. Happy naming!!
Oh thatโ€™s on my list of plants I want to get! Youโ€™ll have to keep me posted on the care and how hard it is to take care of! (If you donโ€™t mind posting updates on your new little cutie! ๐Ÿฅฐ) so jelly! But sheโ€™s beautiful! ๐Ÿ˜ป
@SageTreeheather beautiful name! Though, it sucks when plants die from pests.
@Shells_Garden it's easy to run out of ideas. Personally, I like to name the plants based on their appearance or scientific name.
@Idplantthat alright, I'll keep you posted ๐Ÿ˜‰. I like to post updates about certain plants sometimes.
@Catplantaddict I do that as well. I guess it mostly depends on my mood at the time! Hope you cure the spider mite issue and find the perfect name. Talk soon.
@SageTreeheather @Shells_Garden @Idplantthat for the name, I just came up with Iridescence
Crotons are very prone to spider mites. I lost two crotons from them years ago. Start with a good washing and Neem Oil and keep it away from all other plants. If that doesn't work, try a stronger chemical mite killer every 3 days until they are gone.
@Catplantaddict ooh, thatโ€™s a cool name and I really like it. I promise, I wonโ€™t steal it. ๐Ÿ™Š Nicely done. ๐Ÿ˜Š
To manage a minor spider mite infestation on your new Croton 'Petra', focus on increasing humidity around the plant, regularly inspect leaves for signs of mites, and use a mild insecticidal soap solution to treat affected areas; for overall care, ensure bright, indirect light, consistent watering, and occasional leaf wiping to maintain its vibrant colors.
Some tips for Croton 'Petra':
Light: Place your Croton in a spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves.
Watering: Water consistently, allowing the topsoil to dry slightly between watering.
Leaf wiping: Occasionally wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and maintain its vibrant colors.
Pruning: Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape and encourage new growth. Hope that gets ya through shell ...
@ForestDweller I'm using Insectidak Soap instead because it is a lot stronger, and I see that neem isn't as resistant.
@CrimsonRollTide alright!
I had these on a croton too ! I read they hate humidity. I have a well drained pot so I started washing it off nearly every day until it stopped losing leaves. It's been about 3 weeks and I think I am finally getting new leaves growing.