Pest identification
What's eating my monstera subpinnata?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling and webbing between and beneath the pinnate leaflets; leaflet tips brown and dry
Control: Shower plant to knock off mites; keep humidity above 60%; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy clusters hidden at leaflet bases and along the rachis; sooty mould follows
Control: Use alcohol on a cotton swab to clean between leaflets; apply neem oil spray weekly for 3–4 weeks
Thrips
Signs: Silver scarring along leaflet margins and midribs; black frass; leaflets appear papery
Control: Apply spinosad or insecticidal soap spray weekly; use blue sticky traps near the plant
Keep monstera subpinnata pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Monstera Subpinnata pests — FAQ
What is eating my monstera subpinnata?
Monstera subpinnata, known for its deeply pinnate leaves, is an indoor aroid susceptible to spider mites in dry air, mealybugs hiding along its many leaflets, and fungus gnats in wet soil. Thrips can damage the narrow leaflet margins. Good humidity and regular inspection between the leaflets are key to staying ahead of pests.
How do I get rid of spider mites on monstera subpinnata?
Pale stippling and webbing between and beneath the pinnate leaflets; leaflet tips brown and dry Shower plant to knock off mites; keep humidity above 60%; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of mealybugs on monstera subpinnata?
White waxy clusters hidden at leaflet bases and along the rachis; sooty mould follows Use alcohol on a cotton swab to clean between leaflets; apply neem oil spray weekly for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of thrips on monstera subpinnata?
Silver scarring along leaflet margins and midribs; black frass; leaflets appear papery Apply spinosad or insecticidal soap spray weekly; use blue sticky traps near the plant