Hey Lachy,
Nothing really special going on with my growing, I grow them under cover so they only get wet when I water them. I also periodically add a fungicide, pesticide and ferts to my watering schedule. Probably the same as most people I guess.
As for mites I have found Sulphor is good to keep them at bay, if you have an infestation Sulphor won't get rid of them but it will stop them using your nice plant as a home and find else where to live. If you are having mite problems try a miticide, I have used them in the past and they work well.