Pest identification
What's eating my philodendron golden goddess?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling dulls the bright golden-green leaves; webbing on undersides in established infestations
Control: Raise humidity above 50%, shower the plant, spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy clusters at nodes and leaf axils; sticky honeydew coats the bright foliage
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol swabs, spray insecticidal soap, isolate from other plants until clear
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae consume fine roots in waterlogged mix; adult gnats hover around soil surface
Control: Allow top 2 in of soil to dry, apply Bti drench, use sticky yellow traps near the pot
Keep philodendron golden goddess pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Philodendron Golden Goddess pests — FAQ
What is eating my philodendron golden goddess?
Philodendron 'Golden Goddess' is a popular chartreuse-foliaged cultivar sold widely as a houseplant. Spider mites are the top pest risk, particularly in the warm, dry air of heated homes. Mealybugs congregate in stem nodes, and fungus gnats can be an issue in heavier potting mixes. Its vigorous growth helps it recover well when treated promptly.
How do I get rid of spider mites on philodendron golden goddess?
Pale stippling dulls the bright golden-green leaves; webbing on undersides in established infestations Raise humidity above 50%, shower the plant, spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days
How do I get rid of mealybugs on philodendron golden goddess?
White fluffy clusters at nodes and leaf axils; sticky honeydew coats the bright foliage Dab with isopropyl alcohol swabs, spray insecticidal soap, isolate from other plants until clear
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on philodendron golden goddess?
Larvae consume fine roots in waterlogged mix; adult gnats hover around soil surface Allow top 2 in of soil to dry, apply Bti drench, use sticky yellow traps near the pot