Surinam Cherry seedling disfigured leaves

[daisyguy]

Anyone know what's causing this pockmarked growth on my Surinam Cherry leaves?

[Plantinyum]

I get a similar effect on plants when i have spider mites.

[K-Rimes]

Yup, classic mite symptoms. I've struggled to control these on large pitangas and it frustrates me to no end. I've since swapped to using an atomizer instead of spray bottles and that seems to be helping.

[tru]

TBH if you're brave enough, the best way to deal with them hands down is predatory mites.
https://www.naturesgoodguys.com/products/amblyseius-cucumeris-thrip-control?variant=23374693443
https://www.naturesgoodguys.com/products/500-live-adult-predatory-mites-a-mix-of-predatory-mite-species-for-spider-mite-control?variant=32555794702

They'll eat every last one of them until there is no food left, then die eventually leaving you with no bugs
I hate bugs but I've learned to love these ones

Also should mention as an alternative: spider mites can only live in places that aren't saturated with humidity. If you somehow have a way to stay at constant ABOVE 90% RH they should also die out naturally without any predator intervention

[daisyguy]

TBH if you're brave enough, the best way to deal with them hands down is predatory mites.

👍 That sounds like the best option of the things I've read. Expensive shipping though. I have a bunch of smaller seedlings of other eugenias that I'm worried about damaging with other controls, like horticultural oil or soaps. For now I've moved the plants back outside and I'm trying to keep things humid.