Some pesticides which control insects are harmful to the plant. Be sure to read the pesticide label and follow all instructions. Any single pesticide does not usually kill all pests and repeat applications are usually necessary. Mites or spider mites are hard to see. They are extremely small and a magnifying glass is usually needed to see them.
Plants infested with mites lose their green color and appear bronzed or washed out.
In severe cases, the mites will form a fine webbing that may cover all or part of the plant. Once a plant is infested with mites, control will be difficult. Mite infested leaves may have a gritty feel, or look like they are covered with a fine coat of ashes. Aphids are common on house plant insects but fortunately, are easily controlled. Aphids suck sap from the plant and can cause new growth to be distorted.