Mentha

[Trellum]

Hi all! I'm having some issues growing ''Mentha'' also known as ''Mint'' (depending on where you live). I've been growing this herb for a while (I like to use it for some recipes and other things), but it looks like the main plant is dying. That's why I tried to propagate, but the plant doesn't seem to be growing the way it should. Some of them have even died! I've no idea what could be wrong, I guess I've no green thumbs Any ideas?

 

[TheCrazyPlantLady]

What does the main plant look like?

 

[Trellum]

The main plant seems to have shrunk, most of the leaves look like burnt, and actually this poor plant has very few leaves left. I admit I haven't been very careful with this herb, mostly because it seemed quite resistant and has been around for a while. Uhm, it also should be noted that before the plant started to look even worse I noticed some red bugs. I should have been more careful

 

[TheCrazyPlantLady]

spider mites, maybe? or something like that. I'm not sure you're going to be able to save it

 

[Trellum]

Aw... do you think the plant got this bad because of those spider mites? Do you think I should try to take a cutting and try to propagate it, or you think I should try to treat the main plant first? I think I'd be better off buying a new plant, i guess Just for future reference, what can I do about spider mites next time? I don't want the same thing to happen to any of my plants.

 

[TheCrazyPlantLady]

It sounds like it is too far gone, but there's no harm in trying to save it. Check out this website:
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/organic-ways-rid-spider-mites-78260.html
I've also had luck with a soap/water spray. You mix a small amount of oil based soap or insecticidal soap with water in a spray bottle, and spray the tops and bottoms of leaves, stem, I even sprayed the soil. (I have to confess that I've even used dish-soap for this, with good results).

 

[claudine]

I hate spider mites! They attacked my miniature roses. Fortunately, it's not very difficult to get rid of them: they hate water. They can't live in wet places. So all you have to do is either to wash your plant's leaves, or to spray it with water. Do it often, it should help.

 

[Trellum]

It sounds like it is too far gone, but there's no harm in trying to save it. Check out this website:
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/organic-ways-rid-spider-mites-78260.html
I've also had luck with a soap/water spray. You mix a small amount of oil based soap or insecticidal soap with water in a spray bottle, and spray the tops and bottoms of leaves, stem, I even sprayed the soil. (I have to confess that I've even used dish-soap for this, with good results).

Thanks a lot, I'll make sure to use this! Ever since those nasty red bugs appeared my herb started to look even more sick. Is there any specific bran that you'd recommend me? What's a good example of oil based soap? Will any kind of soap do?

 

[Trellum]

I hate spider mites! They attacked my miniature roses. Fortunately, it's not very difficult to get rid of them: they hate water. They can't live in wet places. So all you have to do is either to wash your plant's leaves, or to spray it with water. Do it often, it should help.

Oh really? I had no idea they could attack miniature roses as well So far I haven't had any kind of issue with my miniature roses, but you never know! Thanks for the tip! Those red pests are so gross and cause a lot damage to plants, it's good to know they can't stand water I'll try this if they attack my miniature roses. I guess I'll have to use water + soap if they attack my other plants (some plants don't seem to take it well when you spray them with soap!). Have you ever tried using this soap + water mix on your miniature roses?

 

[claudine]

Oh really? I had no idea they could attack miniature roses as well So far I haven't had any kind of issue with my miniature roses, but you never know! Thanks for the tip! Those red pests are so gross and cause a lot damage to plants, it's good to know they can't stand water I'll try this if they attack my miniature roses. I guess I'll have to use water + soap if they attack my other plants (some plants don't seem to take it well when you spray them with soap!). Have you ever tried using this soap + water mix on your miniature roses?

No, I haven't tried using soap on them yet, but I'm thinking about it. Washing leaves with water really helps, but only temporally. Currently, I'm too busy to do this every single day. Once, I haven't washed my roses for a week or so and the nasty mites had a real party. So soon or later I'll have to try soap. I hope that it won't hurt my dear plants. How many miniature roses do you have? Do you grow them indoors?

 

[TheCrazyPlantLady]

No, I haven't tried using soap on them yet, but I'm thinking about it. Washing leaves with water really helps, but only temporally. Currently, I'm too busy to do this every single day. Once, I haven't washed my roses for a week or so and the nasty mites had a real party. So soon or later I'll have to try soap. I hope that it won't hurt my dear plants. How many miniature roses do you have? Do you grow them indoors?

Claudine, try spraying tea on your roses. I use tea, full strength (just like I'd drink it) but cooled to room temperature. It is pretty effective at keeping aphids off roses, plus it is good for the plants.

 

[claudine]

Claudine, try spraying tea on your roses. I use tea, full strength (just like I'd drink it) but cooled to room temperature. It is pretty effective at keeping aphids off roses, plus it is good for the plants.

I haven't heard of this method before, thank you! I'll definitely give it a try. It has to be regular, black tea, am I right?

 

[TheCrazyPlantLady]

yes, although I'm sure green tea would probably work as well, but I've only ever used regular black tea. It has the advantage of being inexpensive as well!

 

[Trellum]

No, I haven't tried using soap on them yet, but I'm thinking about it. Washing leaves with water really helps, but only temporally. Currently, I'm too busy to do this every single day. Once, I haven't washed my roses for a week or so and the nasty mites had a real party. So soon or later I'll have to try soap. I hope that it won't hurt my dear plants. How many miniature roses do you have? Do you grow them indoors?

Hi Claudine, so far I only have 3 miniature roses, but I might be moving to the Netherlands soon, so I will have to give them away because my mom doesn't like or care about plants at all So I'll have to think really hard on someone who can take care of them, not an easy task... because I've many other plants I'll be leaving behind Right now I grow my roses indoors, but during summer I like to take them out so they can enjoy the sun

 

[claudine]

Hi Claudine, so far I only have 3 miniature roses, but I might be moving to the Netherlands soon, so I will have to give them away because my mom doesn't like or care about plants at all So I'll have to think really hard on someone who can take care of them, not an easy task... because I've many other plants I'll be leaving behind Right now I grow my roses indoors, but during summer I like to take them out so they can enjoy the sun

I would be heartbroken if I had to give my roses away. I would keep wondering if the person who took them really knows how to care about them.
So I can imagine how you feel
Maybe you could plant your miniature roses in your parents garden (if they have one)? This way your mother wouldn't have to do much for them, just some pruning from time to time would be enough.