Hey everyone,
About two and a half months ago I purchased a sensitive plant (mimosa pudica) from a very, very reputable nursery where I live (small, independently owned). At the same time, I purchased an oxalis and then about a month ago, bought a polka dot begonia.
Because the sensitive plant was so… well, sensitive, it couldn’t be near any of my other plants because the little leaves would curl at any kind of touch, so it’s been on its own away from my other plants.
No matter what I did, this plant just kept wanting to die. I kept it in moist soil, in a SW facing window and gave it fertilizer when needed (the one I use is safe for consistent use). But, still it kept dying. In the first week I had it, it dropped several leaves but I figured it was just stressed because of the move.
Pests didn’t even occur to me. The nursery is well known in my city and the other plants have had no issues and are growing beautifully.
I have inspected every plant I have and they don’t appear to have them (they were far-ish away from the infested plant; picture is where it was). I threw it out immediately, along with the mat it was on and washed the shelf with bleach.
So, my question is this – Could I have somehow caused the mites or did this plant have them when I bought it? I want to know if I should contact the nursery and be like “hey FYI…. you sold me a plant with spider mites” but I want to make sure it’s not something I could have done to make them appear and falsely accuse the nursery. It was in a well draining pot with soil that I used for other plants that are doing fine (knockonwood) and again, super reputable nursery where I have no issues with other plants.
If I did in fact cause this, how and how do I prevent it in the future?
by toodarktosee
2 Comments
They literally can come from anywhere! Unless you knew it the day you brought it home, like, they can hitchhike on YOU from just looking at other plants in other stores. I’ve heard they come in on our produce, fruit, everywhere!
I personally can use systemics as preventative. Some can’t get them anymore but still can get others like Neem. Prevention is key. But I refuse to fight my elements around me. I don’t take my plants outside.
There is a chance your sensitive plant had something. Usually I ask the source I got from for help. I think it’s better than stating plant had pre condition because we can’t prove it. Vendors/ nurseries are very helpful in my experience and often offer replacement because they want you as repeat customer.