What's eating my philodendron imperial red?

Philodendron Imperial Red is primarily troubled by spider mites and mealybugs — common pests on large-leaved tropical Philodendrons in indoor settings. Thrips can also scar the glossy burgundy-red foliage. The broad shiny leaves make pests more visible than on other houseplants, which helps with early detection.

Pale stippling across the upper leaf surface and fine webbing beneath; affected leaves lose their deep colour. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth, raise humidity, and spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly for three to four weeks.

White cottony clusters at stem nodes and leaf axils; sticky honeydew attracts sooty mould. Remove with alcohol-dipped swabs and treat repeatedly with diluted neem oil spray until no bugs remain.

Silvery scars and streaks on the glossy red leaves; new growth may emerge distorted. Spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap, removing heavily affected leaves; use sticky traps to gauge population levels.