Pest identification
What's eating my philodendron atom?
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy fluff tucked into dense leaf bases and along stems; sticky residue
Control: Use an alcohol-dipped cotton swab to reach hidden colonies; follow with neem oil spray
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, yellowing inner leaves; fine webbing between tightly packed foliage
Control: Open up the plant for airflow; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil, reaching all leaf surfaces
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of soft-bodied insects on new unfolding leaves; distorted tender growth
Control: Blast off with a water jet; apply insecticidal soap spray and repeat after 5 days
Keep philodendron atom pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Philodendron Atom pests — FAQ
What is eating my philodendron atom?
Philodendron 'Atom' is a compact, self-heading houseplant whose dense ruffled leaves create sheltered hiding spots for mealybugs and spider mites. Aphids can occasionally colonise soft new growth. The dense growth habit means pests are easily missed — inspect inner leaves and stem bases regularly and treat with insecticidal soap at the first sign.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on philodendron atom?
White waxy fluff tucked into dense leaf bases and along stems; sticky residue Use an alcohol-dipped cotton swab to reach hidden colonies; follow with neem oil spray
How do I get rid of spider mites on philodendron atom?
Stippled, yellowing inner leaves; fine webbing between tightly packed foliage Open up the plant for airflow; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil, reaching all leaf surfaces
How do I get rid of aphids on philodendron atom?
Clusters of soft-bodied insects on new unfolding leaves; distorted tender growth Blast off with a water jet; apply insecticidal soap spray and repeat after 5 days