How to get rid of spider mites at home 2018 - Complete, step by step guide for Orchids

[@MissOrchidGirl]

PS: the bottle and measuring cup were just props, I did not use them on orchids, the bottle did not even have a hose :p but it was transparent and the measuring cup had more visible writing on that side :) I use the spray bottle you see me spray with, it's graded.. just sayin' ;)

[@lone2234]

Heya Dani I'm a new subscriber and I just got into Orchids a few day ago. I know this video is months ago but I want to know if I can use baby oil that only have mineral oil and fragrance in it? Do I need to so mix it with water?

[@steeefyyy]

Dany, does it kill completely flower spikes or flower bulbs?

[@diannh2894]

Oh no! I got a peloric phal recently... lack of chlorophyll spots on the foliage . I knew something was wrong, but I wasn't sure what. Now I'm a bit nervous, and I'll try to get out and find these. Thanks for the help. Ugh it makes me nervous I hope my whole collection is ok!

[@shelbyv2658]

You can use ,, decoct de pelin " or ,, ceai de urzici " ! Wormwood diy insecticide is the best .

[@magnifiquevendetta7591]

I will try it on my orchids today,hope it helps😊

[@juli.steiner]

This solution saved my whole collection! Spider mites are gone, everyone is healthy. Thank you, Danny 🥰

[@ylvarw]

I've tried the mix on aphids, mites and scales... worked wonders on all of them

[@Dawadez01]

Just wanted to say that your formula works perfectly! Killed all spider mites and milleybugs.

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Happy to hear :D

[@lennium100]

Thanks for your recipe I spray anything new arrivals straight away with your method. I worked as a foreman on a flower farm for 20 years and would is spray 200 acres of fields with mineral oils as a preventative routine. Out side was every 6 weeks but on trees shrubs and large plants. The mineral oils do have a anti fungal properties as well but slight and more preventive as well. In winter I would time it if frost was close as it would help with damage. Great on scale! Your recipe is a perfect home substitute for the oils I have used in my previous job. I prefer it over the white oils I have available in the stores here in Australia.

[@renatecormick7399]

I know this video is a few years old now but I’m catching up on orchid maintenance. It’s interesting to read what you said about the mineral oil used on the flower farm etc. and the white oil. Many years ago I bought about 50 phalaenopsis seedlings and managed to kill the lot with over spraying with white oil because of scale infestation. A huge mistake on my part (and an expensive one) which I will never repeat. This recipe of Danni’s is just what I will use in future. Cheers from a fellow Aussie.

[@doroteyaagayna5714]

I tested the concoction. It works fantastic! I treated aphids on a rose and mealybugs on a Phalaenopsis orchid. It's the best solution for these common types of pests and makes me feel much more confident when I introduce a new flower on the balcony or at home. Thank you, Danny!

[@ylvarw]

I've used the spray on mites, aphids and scales ... It works on all of them =)

[@Just_Lurking8]

Hi, what percentage did you use?Do you know if it works on fungus gnats, or thrips ? @ylvarw

[@heavenscent700]

Would like to know too if it works on thrips 🙏

[@Smileyfacemom]

Do you use just one application?

[@dianejuneau5023]

I have been using your recipe since the month of April and one application is fantastic. No more mites even with one plant that was battling spider mites for about 8 months. Thank you very much, I appreciate your videos! I think I will bring your recipe to my Orchid Society witch is in Montreal PQ Canada so everyone can benefit from your experiences. And of course I will promote your channel! Thanks again 👌

[@dianejuneau5023]

I used baby oil, the cheapest I could find, but Paraffin is the only ingredient!

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Happy to hear my video helped you out! :D

[@HoaTran-lh3xu]

@@dianejuneau5023 It’s working with baby oil ? Thanks

[@Smileyfacemom]

Did you apply just one application to get rid of all the spider mites infestation? And did you use 1% or 2% of oil in your concoction? TIA

[@lyubalyuba724]

I remember a few years.ago you used a hairspray on your orchids.I used too and i hade a successful trearment with it.But now if i need it again ,i will use this recipe😃👍

[@SemihydroponicswithSma]

I have treated mealybugs and scale with this and it worked beautifully. So thank you so much🥰

[@erint5373]

Im trying this for the first time,in conjunction with nematodes to fight thrips! Small alterations I am using: incl a general pesticide in the mix as per manufactures instructions, and adding just 2-3drops of lemon juice (in homemade mayo I learned that in order to get an oil and water to combine and not seperate so easily acid helps, therefore this should help it get an even coverage before water evaporation takes place and it seperates) - wish me luck!

[@jessicarose1651]

Did this work???

[@arwen313]

Works perfectly on aphids on roses and chili plants

[@luvlyhorchid6113]

Thank you so much Dani for this video. I'll be using the 1% solution for now, as preventative maintenance. I really appreciate you explaining and showing us on how to do this.

[@Hollywiththeflowers]

Not an orchid, but I sprayed my alocasias with this spray this week. After seeing it on your video Seems to have worked a treat so far, I also added a tiny touch of chilli powder. I’ve been told / have read it’s a good deterrent. My plants seem perfect so far , I will keep checking though. Nice to have this trick in the toolbox, spider mite outsmarted me too many years in the past! Thank you for this tip

[@joanneacevedo8201]

Thanks Dani. I have my orchids outside (Caribbean) and I'm going to give it a try on some to see how it goes. I've used Neem but I wasn't to thrilled with the results.

[@braedenmayer4380]

Thank you so much. You are my favorite Orchid Expert. This will stop my spider mite outbreak in its tracks and I am so thankful for you. Keep making amazing content. ♡♡♡♡♡

[@Meanchin]

Thank you so much for this video! I used the 1% concentration on my ornamentals and they worked! My plants are handling it well so far so 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 I previously used the diluted dishwashing liquid so many bloggers recommended but the spider mites were back after the liquid dried. This definitely worked. And its cheap too!

[@DannyTillotson]

How many times do you apply only 1% please?

[@Smileyfacemom]

Did you only apply just one application?

[@MorKofKatan]

Thank you! it works perfectly on spider-mites and scales.

[@ek585]

Literally saving lives! Orchid lives. Thank you for sharing and helping me save a good portion of my plants!

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Glad to help 😁

[@krystaleverett5197]

I use on scale but I have to make a soapy scrub and physically scrub them off with a toothbrush and then spray the 2%. It knocks them down for a few months at best. Nothing seems to rid them from my 8' umbrella tree. It is too beautiful to get rid of.

[@rodyenriquez5751]

Thanks for the recipe, that sounds awesome. I have a question: what about the orchids getting sun after we apply these, lets said one that's already used to high light/direct sun?

[@anastasiialatypova5587]

Hello Danny! Thank you for sharing this miracle recipe! You saved my orchids! But I am wondering now if it is possible to clean their leaves from dust without to remove this protection layer? Kind regards, Anastasiia

[@FinehomesofNewHampshire]

I like neem oil....peppermint oil....and Dr. Bronners as an emulsifier. Warm water and spray liberally. 😁

[@drphil4ril161]

What’s the ratio you use?

[@travelinggirl6681]

You wrote your comment a long time ago but I am hoping that you will see this message. What is your ratio?

[@FinehomesofNewHampshire]

@@travelinggirl6681 3 drops neem...3 drops peppermint....3 drops brothers. 😃🙃

[@VeryGreenly]

I have mites attacking my hydrangea, mums, bushes and roses and have even brought in a virus called rose rosette disease. I didn't know what to do about it before now. I am going to try spraying the stems and leaves on all my plants in the front of my house.

[@1skinnypuppy]

Good job thank you very much. Also I can see from your general pot setup you know your stuff and are willing to go the extra mile even if it’s the easiest mile that makes all the difference.

[@adrianmadderra5214]

would you be able to make a video on fertilizers for the different types of plants and when it can get a little confusing when there is a 30-10-10 or a 20-20-20 or a 10-10-10 witch type of orchids for each one

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Hi, I will make a video on my fertilizer routine, but to answer your question now, I don't use differentiated fertilizers for particular orchids, they all get the same things. Some orchids in just lower quantities :)

[@adrianmadderra5214]

MissOrchidGirl thank you vary much that saves on wasting money on different types of fertilizer thank you for responding

[@YnseSchaap]

You can use baking paper to cover the pot and roots when you spray ;-)

[@MsJac5]

Thank you

[@bhumphries1360]

Are you talking about parchment paper?

[@YnseSchaap]

@@bhumphries1360 The stuff you use in the oven for cookies, we call it baking paper

[@joehisel5966]

Sevin dust spray worked wonders for my vanilla

[@chanteuse1978]

Thank you for this! I’m battling spider mites in my collection right now. I have a few other houseplants that live alongside my orchids, do you recommend treating them as well?

[@yuenekochan]

Today I found red spider mites in few of my orchids.... I hope this spray will save them

[@etanaf]

In the U.S. paraffin and kerosene are the same, so I'm not finding paraffin. What oil should I use instead: what is the main ingredient of baby oil or horticultural oil, if paraffin = kerosene in the U.S.? Or should I use kerosene? Thanks a lot!

[@teresaklainer4009]

There's a horticultural petrolatum spray. Very low toxicity. Vaseline, basically, to smother bugs on the surface. Not systemic.

[@glamorre24]

HI I'm from Nicosia I was shock you from Nicosia... So happy I just wondering if I can use this indoor plant now starting all my indoors plants have spider mites

[@boblaurieg.8649]

Hi Dani, I think I remember you saying in this video or another, that all it takes is one spraying of this insecticide to take care of the spider mites. Please correct me if I’m wrong. It is my understanding, however, that when using insecticidal soap you need to spray 3 times, about a week apart bc the spray doesn’t kill the eggs. Would you please comment on this? Thank you!

[@Ceanna]

Would a basic mineral oil work? I can only find paraffin oil in lamp oil forms, but I can find baby oil that just has mineral oil and fragrance.

[@TJC1315]

I was wondering the same thing. Here in the US, I can't find paraffin oil other than in lamp oil form.

[@LillyCruzcaptivateurbeauty]

Ceanna what about a body oil that contains paraffin as the main but no other oils? Are you able to find that? It is part of what Danny mentioned in the video.

[@scottrobedeau6374]

@@TJC1315 me too.

[@lillakm]

Look for it as mineral oil, not paraffin, Walmart brand (Equate) is about $2 for a 16fl oz bottle.

[@zadyebanks4377]

@@lillakm Thanks you just save me a lot of money, I was going crazy looking for paraffin oil, when I realized its the same as mineral oil..

[@NitC-t4e]

Hi, just wanted to tell how much I enjoy your shows and how informative they are. I have just rescued an orchid from the store they were about to toss and it is infested with spider mites , scales , and I believe springtails and or mealie bugs. I am not really sure and was wondering if this solution is ok for all of them. Also i can’t find paraffin oil in the region I live nor anything made with it. However I was able to find horticultural oil with is made with 98% of paraffin oil and 2% emulsifier. And was wondering if you have any idea if it’s ok to use on orchids.

[@jessicalacour]

Thanks for the update :). I spent 1 week vacation trying to eradicate the spidermites on my plants. I even use a Q-tips with alcool removing one by one the mites I found for hour :/. I will try your solution tomorrow morning :).

[@jannepienaar4934]

Thank you for the great non-toxic recipe!!! Will be using it!! Just a quick question, can we use this on seedlings? Please advise, would be great to know! Kind regards

[@chanteuse1978]

Thank you for this!! I’m battling spider mites in my collection right now, and have treated them with a 1% solution as you recommend. Something that worked well for me was to use a special spray bottle sold for hair and beauty applications called a Flairosol bottle. It has much finer mist, and sprays continuously. I wanted to send you one, but Amazon was going to charge a ridiculous amount for shipping from the US.

[@extraorchidinary6347]

Thank you so much for this video. I have almost all my dendrobium infected with spider mites. I tried neem oil but I suspect it damaged the roots so much that I lost many plants. The roots simply stopped growing. They become globular and dark dull green and then black. The pseudobulbs also turned yellow. I dont know it was neem oil or something else. But I am still fighting spider mites. They come inside the new sheaths thats why it's difficult. I will appreciate if you could answer my query. My question is should I protect roots if I apply this parrafin oil method.

[@denisea3465]

I noticed my phalaenopsis that just bloomed has tons of tiny (pinprick) sized scale on the back of each petal. But you mentioned that this WILL damage flowers. Is there anything I can do to save the blooms?

[@beverlysullivan1427]

I'm new to your videos, so I have lots of questions. I noticed when you sprayed the leaves on top and bottom, did the mixture run down in the crown? What should I use to clean my leaves if I don't have pests?

[@nancylaningham6442]

I enjoy your videos and have learned so much from you. I have a question about some Phal species (big leaf) orchids that I have. I have some that have bright green leaves and some that have dull leaves. The ones that are dull are not droopy, are well hydrated and have been the same color for months. I have them under LED lighting indoors where temps range from 70 to 77 degrees. They are in humidity ranging from 55-65 percent. The ones with the bright green leaves seem to put on new leaves and the ones that are dull do so but not as often. Would you do a video on these orchids and help me understand what I am doing wrong.

[@lucialopez3351]

Hi Danni!! Thank you for your informative and most amazing orchid videos!! Brassidium gilded urchin made me fall in love! I had a question... can you use this formula for similar reasons in Hoyas or other plant types?? Thank you!!!! 💚

[@Maria-ne2dk]

What if I have flower buds or flowers, should I spray them too? Would it be dangerous for them to sustain? :)

[@lynnerodgers630]

Have you ever had white flies on your plants? A friend just asked me what to do and I didn’t know. I figured you would know.

[@velerialangbehn6787]

Excellent tutorial. I have in all pots, something show up that doesn't move, but looks like tiny chaff. It is attached to bark and pots. I think it came from the sphagnum moss. What are your thoughts?

[@Micah-kb3of]

Hi there, I purchased horticultural oil concentration: 80% and 20% of something else. It is thick and almost like a wet paste. How much water should I mix with it to get 2% concentration. I love all ur videos and have purchased several repot me products from ur links. Thank u very much

[@japina.]

Will this also work for false spider mites? You mentioned those on the video but I think I didn't quite catch it 😅

[@scubamage]

Does this oil mix store well? Or should you mix up a new batch every time you use it?

[@MorKofKatan]

Hey there, do you find it useful in winter as well? I suspicious that my orchid collection has a small spider-mites infestation I want to treat them. Winter is here and it is colder so the damage of the spider-mites reduced significantly. I'm thinking of treating my orchids with your recipe but I'm afraid of the damage it might cause because of the colder weather (24 max, 15 min - Tel Aviv) - Is your recipe might cause any damage in colder climate? - If not, do you know if I should repeat the treatment in two weeks from now because of new hatchling spider-mites? Thank you so much and I wish you a Happy New Year!

[@twistedelegance_]

So, the leaves are okay but there's way too much oil on them it's like a thick layer. How do I get it off before it kills the plant? I did rinse the roots after. Can I also rinse the leaves? I don't think just wiping them will do much. On the bright side; haven't seen a single bug since I did this.

[@eshanatiti1733]

Hi Danny ! I’ve noticed some VERRY small white bugs on my new orchids roots when I looked at it through the pot , but it’s not on any other visible part of the orchid (flowers or leaves )would I be able to use this solution on the roots?

[@amandab1151]

Tip for folks in the U.S. (wishing to follow measurements to the letter): you can get 1 mL syringes (sans the needles) from a farm supply store or vet clinic.

[@travelinggirl6681]

Thank you for that tip. I am just thinking through this whole video about how to turn the "recipe" into U. S. measurements.

[@daphnetot5756]

This pesticide also works great on anthuriums.

[@nitawal]

Our nursery in Montreal use Marius Fabre Savon noir as their insecticide. Look into it. You may love it. It is made with olive oil. Is that ok for spider mites?

[@willajohnson8577]

Ok will try this one too. Have baby oil I use on doggie, will see if it works on these horrible bugs. Tks

[@KayleighRugan-wd1pf]

Can I spray the stem and buds with this as they have spider mites?

[@Chicle1911]

Hello, I use every two weeks a foliar feed spray on my orchid collection. Will this recipe not work for me? Will it wash off once I foliar feed?

[@drphil4ril161]

Question, it’s the oil that suffocate the mites and not necessarily kill them? I have tea tree oil and castor oil is why I ask.

[@sophiek8276]

Hi Danny thank you for this very good video. I am doing this treatment right now.

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Hi, good luck! Start with 1% just to be safe and test out how the orchid reacts :)

[@sophiek8276]

MissOrchidGirl yes i just finished 1 pourcent. i watch your videos thank you it takes time for you to make them so bravo to you. you ve answered me before if you remember☺

[@exoticplantlady]

Is this a replacement for the hairspray treatment? Does the hairspray not work anymore?

[@moondenathap4135]

Can I use this product on my vanda orchids.

[@southpark5555]

One shared technique is cotton ball with eucalyptus oil, placed in a container with holes. Spread containers out among the plants - between the pots. The evaporation of the oil apparently deals with the spider mites.

[@tksixangels44]

How does this method work?

[@southpark5555]

The idea is the evaporating eucalyptus oil gets into the air -- coming out of the holes in the container, and can repel or maybe kill the spider mites. I think that the more evaporation that can occur --- ie. using adequate amount of eucalyptus oil and enough holes in the containers, the better the chance of it working. The idea is usually to hang the containers among the plants - such as in a green house, or maybe pop some containers on the ground between some plants. But - naturally, looking out for spider-mite activity - such as spotting early signs of leaf damage - is always necessary. So sometimes might still need to revert to usual miticide solutions - eg. drowning the mites with horticultural oil sprays, mancozeb etc.

[@kimmyarellanotv]

Hello, can I ask if this works for calathea maranta plants? Please help me get rid of smider mites on my prayer plants. Thank you!

[@kvdw6565]

Did you try it on your calathea? I have spider mites on my calathea too.

[@oliphante8843]

How long is it till you can put the plant back in the light/sun? Just wait till it the plant leaves dry?

[@marwabenyusef1351]

Just purchased a phalanopsis that is blooming but was full of spider mites.should i also spray the flowers?or can i just spare them.

[@parbattiechand]

can i use leaf shine by mircle grow to clean orchid leaves ? if so what types of orchids can i use them on i have phalaenopsis dendrobium and cymbidum i also need help with my leaver they are getting rinkled i am watering twice week this happends mostly on the phalanopsis thanks i look foward to an early reply

[@MariaRomero-jt8xm]

thank you for this i’m just trying this on my hoya 😢 i’m hoping it works! question though when i touché the leaves i don’t feel much oil (i did the 1% recipe) i guess that’s normal? 5ml of oil in 500ml of water so i guess yeah no way i would feel the oil right?

[@RC-no3dr]

Ok, I sprayed all my orchids, avoided soaking the media and roots as much as possible. I think I have the false spider mites here. I just noticed today a bunch of these yellowish mites all over a root now. They are definitely a type of spider mite. Now they are feeding on orchid roots. 😢

[@florencec7715]

I have fake spider mites on an active growing leaf and it’s mostly hiding between the crown/active growing leaf and the small dry sheath that’s wraps around the new leave stem. Will it be bad if I spray in there as it will be super hard to dry afterwards

[@shelbyv2658]

You can use nettle tea . There are alot of medicinal plants that can be used as insecticide .

[@dougramsay5576]

Can you use any type of 100% paraffin oil or does it have to be pharmaceutical grade?

[@tcwisniewski]

How about a video showing how to repot a slotted wood "pot". The roots of plants seem very firmly attached to the wood.

[@ROBERTOJOAQUINBATICADOS]

hello! i would just like to ask if paraffinum perliquidum will do just fine? or should i change the concentration of the solution

[@MauiGuy1960]

Why the paraffin oil? I didn’t see you add it to the mixture. Is 100% mineral oil ok?

[@angelasviriniuc5484]

Hello. Tell me please, did you use Predatory Mites against Spider Mites? Is it effective or not? Thanks

[@jessyorchid5722]

Hi, Danny... This solution work for catesetum orchids too? Because the leaf so thin, right? I have problem with my catesetums, pls reply I wait for your respond. Thank you so much and God bless you Love all your video 😍😍😍😍😍😘😘😘😘

[@chinchan9674]

Hello, I suspect I have spider mites on my rose plant. Would you recommend Johnsons Baby Oil as it is only available in the market that I know. Huhu thaanks 😊

[@jennmcc5842]

Hi Dani! Every new orchid I get is sprayed with 3% hydrogen peroxide and repotted. Would this be a preventive measure to use at the same time? Will 1% also rid the orchid of mealybugs, or would I do a separate treatment as well as the mite mix and the same time? Thank you so much for your great videos, your experience is invaluable!

[@chilam7837]

Hi. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. I really enjoy your advice and my healthy orchids. Question: Do you think I can safely spray my orchids with hand sanitizer strength alcohol to control mealy bugs. They are my only pest that seem to have come in from a gifted orchid. I read it works well as a contact spray on those bugs but I'm worried that it will hurt the leaves? Thanks very much.

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Hi, I would dilute rubbing alcohol with warer (any strenght) about half half and try that first. Better to fail first than ruin the orchid with too much of a concentration! See if that takes care of it, good luck! Oh don't spray flowers, they are sensitive!

[@nanetteorchid6680]

just mentioning that mealy bugs love to hide inside and on the back of flowers and in any stem spot they can hide. check and treat the flowers with a q tip and alcohol solution

[@yuenekochan]

In Finland we like to use Mäntysuopa (un-superfatted pine soap made with pine wood oil) to kill spidermites and mealy bugs. It can also be used on herbs/veggies. This summer I have used it like crazy because of the dry and hot summer. This year is also the first time for me to get spidermites, I noticed some on my roses...

[@jojobee42]

Does it really work? How much Mäntysuopa do you mix in water? Just that and water, nothing else?

[@noemisolomon6812]

Hi my orchids are outside, can i use this mixture? How often? They are infested with red spider mites. Pls help.

[@peak_of_eternal_light_moon]

not sure I understand how to recognise if the orchid has spider mite?

[@titamatos633]

So good! Getting closer to 100K....

[@mpagan1004]

Hello Danny Is Garden Safe Organic insecticidal soap okay to use on orchids, I also saw a Garden safe neem oil or should I just make my own? Someone recommended using mosquito bits as well. I am trying to find a solution for gnats. Your opinion will be greatly appreciated.

[@Melissa198906]

Can you use this on all plants?

[@GoSSforever]

Hi danny. Today only i observed somewhat like eggs of moth on pot of phal. As i just removed some stones i saw those eggs. Actually i used artificial light outside up in my terrace which is open. The plant is healthy and flower spike has well started. What should i do. Is it the egg or if its eggs then will the larva damage my phal roots. ?

[@lauradee6385]

What about the hair spray? I'm all mixed up now :(

[@MissOrchidGirl]

Hi, you should really check the upload dates, my videos span 9 years 😉 I always improve and find better ways!

[@babyashy0802]

I will use a 1% concentration on my cattleyas infected with scales. Will unpot, clean with 70% alcohol and then the oil mix 1% concentration.

[@vaniazanolin4842]

The pest I'm battling now, not sure exactly what it is, it's also in the media and the roots, i researched it and cant find anything that resembles it. It is not scale or any of the common pest. It has a yellowing whit color to it and it is very very tiny. It concentrated on the lower part of the orchid and the roots. I'm wondering if I can spray it on the roots and media?

[@samantharizzo4065]

Hi Dani I know you mentioned wanting to try this recipe on a plant with a heavy scale infestation… have you had time to experiment? I have a handful of plants I am looking to treat. Please let me know! Thank you in advance 🫶🏼✨💚

[@denisepattison3211]

Canada uses metric measurements:) mL are our measurement of choice:)

[@letaroberts4854]

Will this work for my tomato plant?

[@donosdias2293]

Can we place the orchid in sun light after applying?

[@sarahsmiles2089]

Can this be used on tulips and annuals? I bought annuals from walmart and theyre now infested and have infested my tulips....i didnt see them until after repotting them and they really freaked me out. Im going out to buy the oil now tho lol. I may have to toss the annuals but I'm going to try and save the tulips....but ive noticed my plants are in actual dirt and yours are in rocks so how would that effect the watering process? Or should i repot them again after spraying them?

[@arumambarwati7855]

Hi, is it safe for vegetables? If yes, is 1% will be ok?

[@stephenbaker1060]

My Phalaenopsis has carpenter ants in the pot, any suggestions. They are outdoor plants.

[@aaronjohnson9876]

Does baby oil work for this? I can’t fin paraffin oil where I live

[@chedemesa9507]

Help! My math sucks and I just realized I used 10% concentration of light mineral oil on my phals. What do I do to remedy that? Day 1 hasnt passed yet.

[@toonnoi1159]

Why is it that you put a stone under the pot?