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What to do with the decoloration of my plants? #936674

Asked June 24, 2026, 1:24 PM EDT

Hi,

I have my plants in a balcony and there were doing very well but now they show very drastic discoloration of the leaves. The damage is similar to the spider mite damage that I had in the past but the stickiness on the leaves is not there. My oregano plant is losing all its leaves as well. Please let me know if you have any suggestion on what to do to control this problem. 

Thank you,

Rose 



Baltimore County Maryland

Expert Response

It definitely looks like you have some spider mites marching around on the plant surfaces. They feed by piercing and sucking out the  cellular contents on your plants including the chlorophyll which is why you see all this white speckling instead of nice green leaves.  They like hot, dry environments like you might see on a balcony in the sun. If in containers and the plants go dry frequently, with more air movement and heat--they are in my droughty conditions-also an attractant. 

In this case overhead watering with some spray force will help dislodge them. 

Insecticidal soap can be used as long as the temps aren't hitting 85 degrees and up and plants shouldn't be sitting in the sun when applying it--they'll scorch. Also make sure they are well watered ahead. You may want to do a test as some plants are sensitive and will curl up-- in which case rinse the soap off off.   You could try 1 TB  plain liquid castile soap per quart of distilled/purified water (avoid using known hard water).

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2026, 3:34 PM EDT
Thank you for the information, I will try to spray water and see what happens. 

Rose



On Wed, Jun 24, 2026 at 3:34 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2026, 3:30 PM EDT

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