Cyclamen Mites

We know that when we grow delphinium here we can keep it healthy for about a year and a half. Then, we start to see the cyclamen mite move in and disfigure the plants, which then require removal.

We allowed some delphinium plants to come back this year after cutting them to the ground and removing the foliage, but the mites just came ruching back this spring. So we removed those plants and decided to transition the bed to an annual bed.

…not realizing even more plants are affected by cyclamen mite than delphinium and cyclamen. They can affect:

• cyclamen

• delphinium

• snapdragons (ouch)

• strawflower (ouch)

• gerbera

• geranium

• mums

• larkspur

• monks hood

• dahlia

• verbena

• ivy

• begonia

• African violet

• tomatos

• peppers

• strawberries

Cyclamen mites are most active during high humidity, cool weather. So they can really thrive here. Our summer nights are cool.

Symptoms of cyclamen mites:

• New growth is very stunted, curled

• Flowers are stunted, blackened, compact

• Flower buds may fail to open entirely

• Foliage may change from its usual green color to a more tan looking color.

What to do? Our practice is to remove plants that are heavily infested with a pest. We send them to our composting machine and cook the material. Neem oil or our favorite mint-icide can be helpful as a preventative measure, but it’s often too late once you recognize the signs and a plant has been disfigured.