Pest identification
What's eating my anchomanes giganteus?
Spider mites
Signs: Widespread pale speckling and webbing across broad leaf surfaces; severe infestations cause leaf drop.
Control: Mist foliage regularly; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days for at least 3 treatments.
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony clusters at stem bases and axils; plant weakens and exudes sticky honeydew.
Control: Remove by hand with alcohol swab; treat whole plant with neem oil; check roots for root mealybugs.
Scale insects
Signs: Brown shell-like bumps on older stems; slow decline in vigour and yellowing leaves.
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; apply horticultural oil; repeat after 2 weeks.
Keep anchomanes giganteus pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Anchomanes giganteus pests — FAQ
What is eating my anchomanes giganteus?
Anchomanes giganteus is a striking giant tropical aroid from Central and West Africa, grown indoors or under glass outside the tropics. Its large leaf area makes it attractive to spider mites in low humidity. Mealybugs are drawn to its dense stem bases. Scale insects can also settle on older stems undetected.
How do I get rid of spider mites on anchomanes giganteus?
Widespread pale speckling and webbing across broad leaf surfaces; severe infestations cause leaf drop. Mist foliage regularly; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days for at least 3 treatments.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on anchomanes giganteus?
Cottony clusters at stem bases and axils; plant weakens and exudes sticky honeydew. Remove by hand with alcohol swab; treat whole plant with neem oil; check roots for root mealybugs.
How do I get rid of scale insects on anchomanes giganteus?
Brown shell-like bumps on older stems; slow decline in vigour and yellowing leaves. Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; apply horticultural oil; repeat after 2 weeks.