Lecture Notes: Spider Mites and Plant Care by Corey with Liquidate

Introduction

• Topic: Addressing plant pests like spider mites and aphids.
• Objective: Mixing a spray that prevents and kills pests, including larvae and egg sacs.

Importance of Treatment

• Spider mites and aphids are harmful to plants.
• Treatment stops their lifecycle to prevent re-infestation.
• Quarantine new plants to avoid introducing pests.

Identifying Spider Mites

• Characteristics:
  • Small white specks and wispy webs on plants.
  • Suck nutrition from plants, leaving damaged leaves.
  • Part of the arachnid family; herbivores eating plant sap.
• Indicators of Infestation:
  • Presence of webs and egg sacs.
  • Check under leaves for glistening points, indicating bites.
  • Increased spider presence suggests possible spider mite issues.

Ingredients for Preventative Spray

1. Dr. Woods Natural Castile Soap - Peppermint

   • Repels insects like gnats and spider mites.
   • Thick and organic, not a high-sudsing soap.

2. Dr. Woods Natural Castile Soap - Tea Tree

   • Disinfects plants and kills larvae and egg sacs.
   • Provides a dual-action with soap coating insect abdomens.

3. Isopropyl Alcohol (70%)

   • Disinfects and breaks down spider webs.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide (1%)

   • Extra oxygen molecule helps destroy insects.
   • Cleans molds, mildews, and disinfects.

Mixing Instructions

• Use a pressure spray bottle.
• Mix for immediate use as ingredients lose potency over time.
• Recipe for Two Quarts of Water:
  • 1/4 cup Tea Tree Soap
  • 1/4 cup Peppermint Soap
  • 1 tablespoon Hydrogen Peroxide (1%)
  • 1 cup Isopropyl Alcohol

Application

• Spray both top and underside of leaves, and the soil.
• Effective for various plant types: Monstera, Orchids, Begonias, etc.
• Avoid direct sunlight on wet leaves to prevent burn.
• Leaves will become glossy and clean.

Post-Treatment Plant Nutrition

• Use Liquid or nutrient solution post-treatment for plant health.

Maintenance and Monitoring

• Monitor plant health regularly to catch infestations early.
• Treat weekly for a month to ensure all pests are eradicated.
• Treat all plants simultaneously to avoid re-infestation.

Additional Tips

• Treat delicate plants differently by rinsing after application.
• Ensure to coat all plant surfaces for effective coverage.

Conclusion

• Regular monitoring and complete treatment can maintain plant health.
• Encouraged to provide feedback or contact for further assistance.

• Contact Information: Corey at Liquidate, West Jordan, Utah. Phone: 385-296-1684.
• Expansion details: Store to expand by over 2,000 square feet.

• Reminder: Regular treatment and vigilance are key to pest-free, healthy plants.