Pest identification
What's eating my anthurium x 'ace of spades'?
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny pale flecks across the velvety dark leaf surface; webbing on undersides in dry conditions
Control: Keep humidity above 65%; shower the plant and spray insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil every 5–7 days
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white residue tucked into stem axils and petiole bases; honeydew and sooty mold
Control: Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil spray on a weekly schedule for a month
Thrips
Signs: Silver-bronze scarring and tiny dark frass on the velvety leaf surface; distorted new growth
Control: Remove and discard heavily damaged leaves; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap targeting growing points
Keep anthurium x 'ace of spades' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Anthurium x 'Ace of Spades' pests — FAQ
What is eating my anthurium x 'ace of spades'?
Anthurium 'Ace of Spades' is a collector's velvet-leaf hybrid that attracts the same sap-sucking pests common to indoor tropicals. Spider mites are a particular concern on its large, velvety dark leaves. Mealybugs hide in the deeply textured leaf axils. Thrips can damage the velvety surface. High humidity is the key preventive.
How do I get rid of spider mites on anthurium x 'ace of spades'?
Tiny pale flecks across the velvety dark leaf surface; webbing on undersides in dry conditions Keep humidity above 65%; shower the plant and spray insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of mealybugs on anthurium x 'ace of spades'?
Cottony white residue tucked into stem axils and petiole bases; honeydew and sooty mold Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil spray on a weekly schedule for a month
How do I get rid of thrips on anthurium x 'ace of spades'?
Silver-bronze scarring and tiny dark frass on the velvety leaf surface; distorted new growth Remove and discard heavily damaged leaves; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap targeting growing points