Pest identification
What's eating my anthurium andraeanum 'president'?
Spider mites
Signs: Yellowing and bronzed stippling on leaves; fine webbing visible on undersides in heavy infestations.
Control: Increase humidity to 50–60%, wipe leaves regularly, and spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days.
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits in leaf axils and at the base of spathes; sticky honeydew and sooty mold.
Control: Target colonies with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a swab; follow up with neem oil spray; repeat weekly.
Thrips
Signs: Papery silver streaks on spathes and leaves; distorted unfurling growth.
Control: Remove damaged leaves, apply spinosad-based spray or neem oil, and set sticky yellow traps for monitoring.
Scale insects
Signs: Hard brown bumps on stems and midribs; weakened growth and sticky leaf surfaces.
Control: Scrape off with a toothbrush, apply horticultural oil, and check monthly; systemic treatment for severe cases.
Keep anthurium andraeanum 'president' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats anthurium — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common anthurium andraeanum 'president' problems & fixes
- Anthurium andraeanum 'President' watering schedule
- Anthurium andraeanum 'President' light requirements
- Full anthurium andraeanum 'president' care guide
Anthurium andraeanum 'President' pests — FAQ
What is eating my anthurium andraeanum 'president'?
Anthurium andraeanum 'President' is a robust cultivar but still vulnerable to spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, and scale indoors. Spider mites are the most frequent invader, particularly in dry winter months. Maintaining good humidity and occasionally showering the foliage dramatically reduces pest pressure on this tropical houseplant.
How do I get rid of spider mites on anthurium andraeanum 'president'?
Yellowing and bronzed stippling on leaves; fine webbing visible on undersides in heavy infestations. Increase humidity to 50–60%, wipe leaves regularly, and spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on anthurium andraeanum 'president'?
White cottony deposits in leaf axils and at the base of spathes; sticky honeydew and sooty mold. Target colonies with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a swab; follow up with neem oil spray; repeat weekly.
How do I get rid of thrips on anthurium andraeanum 'president'?
Papery silver streaks on spathes and leaves; distorted unfurling growth. Remove damaged leaves, apply spinosad-based spray or neem oil, and set sticky yellow traps for monitoring.
How do I get rid of scale insects on anthurium andraeanum 'president'?
Hard brown bumps on stems and midribs; weakened growth and sticky leaf surfaces. Scrape off with a toothbrush, apply horticultural oil, and check monthly; systemic treatment for severe cases.