Pest identification
What's eating my philodendron jose buono?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters in stem joints and petiole bases; slow growth and leaf yellowing
Control: Dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap over the whole plant weekly
Spider mites
Signs: Fine speckling and bronzing on leaf surfaces; webbing visible in severe infestations
Control: Increase ambient humidity; rinse plant in the shower and apply neem oil spray every 7 days
Thrips
Signs: Silvery scarring or distortion on new variegated growth; tiny dark frass on undersides
Control: Spray spinosad-based insecticide every 5 days for 3 applications; remove heavily damaged leaves
Keep philodendron jose buono pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Philodendron Jose Buono pests — FAQ
What is eating my philodendron jose buono?
Philodendron 'Jose Buono' is a striking variegated houseplant commonly attacked by mealybugs, which hide in its large leaf axils and along thick stems. Spider mites and thrips can also damage the sought-after variegated sections of new leaves. Routine quarantine of new plants and regular neem oil sprays are the best defenses.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on philodendron jose buono?
White cottony clusters in stem joints and petiole bases; slow growth and leaf yellowing Dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap over the whole plant weekly
How do I get rid of spider mites on philodendron jose buono?
Fine speckling and bronzing on leaf surfaces; webbing visible in severe infestations Increase ambient humidity; rinse plant in the shower and apply neem oil spray every 7 days
How do I get rid of thrips on philodendron jose buono?
Silvery scarring or distortion on new variegated growth; tiny dark frass on undersides Spray spinosad-based insecticide every 5 days for 3 applications; remove heavily damaged leaves