What's eating my philodendron gloriosum colombia?

Philodendron Gloriosum 'Colombia' is a creeping indoor aroid most threatened by mealybugs, which colonise its velvety leaf undersides and rhizome. Spider mites can also take hold in low humidity. Because this cultivar is slow-growing and expensive, early treatment is critical — pests cause disproportionate damage to the limited leaf count.

White fluffy masses on the rhizome, petioles, and leaf undersides; yellowing and wilting Treat rhizome and leaves with 70% isopropyl alcohol swabs, then neem oil spray; repeat weekly

Pale, dusty stippling on the velvety leaf surface; webbing in dry heated environments Keep humidity above 60%; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil, focusing on undersides

Root damage from larvae in wet chunky substrate; stunted growth in seedlings Let top 2 inches of substrate dry out; apply BTi drench (e.g., Gnatrol) to soil