# Cyclamen mite

> Phytonemus pallidus, a tarsonemid mite related to the broad mite that distorts new growth on many ornamentals; rarely reported on cannabis and often confused with broad mite.

- Canonical: https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cyclamen-mite.html
- Also written: cyclamen mites, Phytonemus pallidus, strawberry mite
- Glossary category: Pests and diseases · Evidence: Supported
- Status: Draft: awaiting expert review · Updated: 2026-10-31
- Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), attribute "GenetixBay cannabis glossary"

The cyclamen mite (*Phytonemus pallidus*) is a microscopic [tarsonemid mite](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/tarsonemid-mite.md), a close relative of the [broad mite](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/broad-mite.md). It prefers cool, humid conditions and feeds inside folded buds and [shoot tips](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/apical-meristem.md) of crops such as cyclamen, African violet and strawberry. Feeding leaves new leaves crinkled, thickened and stunted.

## In practice

Growers sometimes say "cyclamen mites" for any invisible mite that twists cannabis tips. In most cannabis cases the culprit turns out to be the broad mite or the [hemp russet mite](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/hemp-russet-mite.md); cyclamen mite on cannabis is rarely documented. The distinction matters for scouting more than control, since both tarsonemids are handled the same way: quarantine new plants, inspect growing tips under 40x or more, and use [predatory mites](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/predatory-mite.md) such as *[Neoseiulus cucumeris](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/neoseiulus-cucumeris.md)* or *[Amblyseius swirskii](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/amblyseius-swirskii.md)*. Keep ornamental houseplants, especially cyclamen and strawberries, out of the grow room.

## Don't confuse with

- **Broad mite**: favours warmer rooms and is the documented tarsonemid on cannabis.
- **Hemp russet mite**: eriophyid, four legs, carrot-shaped, bronzes leaves.
- **Genetic leaf mutations**: show on one plant or one cut, with no [mites](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/two-spotted-spider-mite.md) present.

## Related terms

[Broad mite](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/broad-mite.md), [Hemp russet mite](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/hemp-russet-mite.md), [Two-spotted spider mite](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/two-spotted-spider-mite.md), [Quarantine](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/quarantine.md)

## Read more

- [Broad mites on cannabis: life table, spread and control (plus russet mite summary)](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/pests/broad-russet-mites.md)

## Sources

1. UConn IPM. Managing Broad Mites on Greenhouse Crops. https://ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu/ipm-managing-broad-mites-on-greenhouse-crops