What's eating my monstera obliqua?

Monstera obliqua — with its delicate, mostly hole leaves — is highly susceptible to spider mites and thrips, which cause outsized damage to the thin leaf tissue. Mealybugs hide at node joints. Because leaves are so fenestrated, even light pest pressure is disfiguring; early detection is critical.

Stippling and thin webbing on the narrow leaf margins between holes; weakened leaf tissue yellows quickly Rinse foliage gently with lukewarm water; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; keep humidity above 60%

Silver-grey streaking along leaf margins and remaining solid tissue; tiny dark frass specks Quarantine immediately; spray with spinosad-based insecticide; repeat every 5–7 days for three cycles

White waxy fluff at stem nodes and petiole bases; sticky honeydew on nearby surfaces Dab colonies with alcohol swab; treat with neem oil soil drench; monitor closely for 4–6 weeks