What's eating my philodendron mamei?

Philodendron Mamei, like most tropical aroids, is most vulnerable to spider mites and mealybugs indoors. Its large, velvety leaves collect dust and provide hiding spots for thrips and scale. Fungus gnats can colonize its moist growing medium if overwatered.

Fine webbing on leaf undersides; yellowing stippling across the large silvery-patterned leaves Wipe leaves with a damp cloth weekly; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase ambient humidity

White cottony deposits at petiole bases and leaf joints; sticky honeydew; stunted new growth Treat with isopropyl alcohol swabs on contact; follow with systemic neem oil drench and spray

Silver streaking or scarring on leaf surfaces; distorted new leaves; tiny fast-moving insects visible Remove badly affected leaves, apply spinosad or neem oil spray, use sticky yellow traps to monitor

Larvae chew fine roots in soggy soil; adults are a nuisance; seedlings or young plants may wilt Allow soil to dry between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) drench; use sticky traps