What's eating my philodendron gigas?

Philodendron gigas is an indoor tropical and faces the same common houseplant pests as other large-leafed philodendrons. Spider mites and mealybugs are the most frequent threats, colonising leaf undersides and petioles. Scale insects and thrips occasionally attack too. Inspect the huge velvety leaves regularly and treat early to prevent infestations spreading.

Fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves develop bronze stippling and look dusty Rinse foliage with a strong water spray; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly until clear; raise humidity to deter re-infestation

White cottony clusters at leaf axils, petioles, and stem joints; sticky honeydew and sooty mould follow Dab colonies with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray entire plant with dilute neem oil; repeat every 7–10 days

Brown or tan waxy bumps on stems and midribs; yellowing leaves and sticky residue Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; isolate the plant until clear

Silver-grey streaks and distorted new growth; tiny dark frass visible on leaf surfaces Remove heavily damaged leaves; apply spinosad-based spray or neem oil; use yellow sticky traps to monitor adult populations