What's eating my philodendron 'florida ghost'?

Philodendron 'Florida Ghost' is most vulnerable to thrips, which scar the pale, ethereal new leaves that make this cultivar so prized. Mealybugs hide on the lobed stems and leaf undersides, while spider mites thrive in dry air. Protecting emerging leaves from thrips damage is the top priority — scarring is permanent.

Silver streaking, stippling, or black frass dots on new leaves; emerging white leaves develop permanent bronze or brown scars before they mature Remove heavily infested leaves; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap spray; use blue sticky traps; repeat weekly for at least 4 weeks as eggs hatch in cycles

White cottony deposits in the ridged stem joints and leaf axils; slow decline, sticky honeydew, and weakened new growth Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on cotton swabs; spray entire plant with diluted neem oil; quarantine and inspect weekly

Fine stippling and webbing on leaf undersides; pale new leaves show damage most visibly Increase humidity, shower the plant regularly, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 5–7 days