What's eating my monstera?

Monstera deliciosa is most commonly attacked indoors by spider mites and mealybugs, which thrive in warm, dry indoor air. Scale insects and thrips occasionally target it too. Inspect leaf undersides and stem joints regularly; catch infestations early with a magnifying glass and treat promptly with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves develop yellow stippling and look dusty or bronzed. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth, then apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray weekly for 3–4 weeks. Raise humidity to discourage re-infestation.

White cottony clusters in leaf axils and along stems; sticky honeydew and sooty mould follow. Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil spray. Repeat every 7–10 days until clear.

Brown or tan dome-shaped bumps on stems and mid-ribs; leaves yellow and drop as the plant is sapped. Scrape off scales with a soft toothbrush, apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray, and isolate the plant until pest-free.

Silver-streaked or bronzed leaf surfaces with tiny black frass dots; new leaves emerge distorted. Remove heavily infested leaves, spray with insecticidal soap or spinosad, and repeat every 5–7 days for three cycles.