Red Spider Mite On Young Aspidistra Plants

[corylus]

Are there any 'home remedies' for getting rid of these pests without resorting to garden centre poisons?

Old, well, established parent plants don't seem to suffer from this, just the one's that have been split from the former.

Have put the affected plants outside for the time being, given them a good spray with the hosepipe and given the plant holders a good scrub with hot water.

Any suggestions appreciated.

[Chipchopper]

I was just about to say pretty much what you have done already.
Additional to that I would say, give them a good misting with an atomizer on a regular basis, as I'm sure you know that the little blighters love dry conditions. So go ahead and make their day!

[murraymints]

a weak washing up solution sprayed on kills most pests

[hammerman]

Red spider hates water and humidity. Spray the undersides of the leaves daily with water

[corylus]

Thanks everybody I'll get misting!

[Clanad]

The suggestion about using 'washing up solution" is your best bet. Just mix a dollop or two of liquid dish soap (as it's called here in the U.S.) into about a quart of warm water and mix thoroughly but gently so as not to suds it up excessively and pour into a spray bottle. Spray the leaves of the plant... bot top and bottom of leaves until it literally drips off.

The soap doesn't hurt the plant but clogs up the breathing apparatus of the mite.

Even more effective and completely organic is any product made from Neem Oil, which is an oil made from an evergreen native to India. The oil can be purchased premixed or you can mix it yourself.

Again, spray both top and bottoms of all leaves for effectiveness...