Pest identification
What's eating my arrowhead plant?
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Pale stippling and dulling of leaf surfaces; fine webbing on undersides; leaf drop in heavy infestations.
Control: Mist frequently or move to a humid spot; wipe leaves; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly.
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy fluff in leaf axils and at stem joints; leaves yellow and growth slows.
Control: Dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray; repeat every 7–10 days and inspect the soil surface.
Aphids
Signs: Sticky honeydew on leaves; curled or distorted new shoots; clusters of soft insects visible.
Control: Rinse with water; apply insecticidal soap; control ants (which farm aphids) if plant is outdoors in summer.
Keep arrowhead plant pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Arrowhead plant pests — FAQ
What is eating my arrowhead plant?
Arrowhead plant is a tropical aroid houseplant prone to spider mites in dry air, mealybugs in the crowded leaf axils, and aphids on new growth. Spider mites are the most frequently seen and damaging pest, especially in centrally heated homes in winter. Maintaining higher humidity and regular leaf-wiping suppresses most infestations.
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on arrowhead plant?
Pale stippling and dulling of leaf surfaces; fine webbing on undersides; leaf drop in heavy infestations. Mist frequently or move to a humid spot; wipe leaves; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on arrowhead plant?
White waxy fluff in leaf axils and at stem joints; leaves yellow and growth slows. Dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray; repeat every 7–10 days and inspect the soil surface.
How do I get rid of aphids on arrowhead plant?
Sticky honeydew on leaves; curled or distorted new shoots; clusters of soft insects visible. Rinse with water; apply insecticidal soap; control ants (which farm aphids) if plant is outdoors in summer.