What's eating my florida ghost?

Philodendron pedatum 'Florida Ghost' is a rare collector aroid whose ghostly white new leaves are especially attractive to thrips. Mealybugs and spider mites are secondary threats. Because this plant is valuable and slow to produce new leaves, any thrips damage to an emerging leaf is permanent — early detection and isolation are critical.

New white leaves emerge with silver-bronze scars, streaks, or distortion before they even fully open; black frass specs on leaf surfaces Quarantine immediately; treat with spinosad or neem oil every five days for a minimum of four applications; use blue sticky traps; inspect developing spathes closely

Waxy white fluff collects in stem joints and at petiole bases; leaves yellow and overall growth stalls Remove colonies manually with an alcohol-soaked swab; apply systemic-safe neem oil spray to all plant surfaces weekly

Tiny pale feeding marks across leaf blades; fine webbing on undersides in low-humidity conditions Keep humidity above 60%; shower foliage thoroughly; apply insecticidal soap spray to undersides and repeat every five to seven days