What's eating my philodendron melanochrysum?

Philodendron melanochrysum's large, dark-green velvety leaves attract spider mites and thrips, both of which cause conspicuous surface damage. Mealybugs target the elongated petioles and node joints. The plant's high-humidity requirements actually help suppress mites, but lapses in humidity quickly trigger outbreaks. Inspect every new leaf carefully as it unfurls.

Stippled, pale speckling on the dark velvety surface makes infestations especially visible; fine webbing under leaves; leaves may yellow and drop. Maintain humidity above 60–70%, shower the plant regularly, and apply neem oil or a miticide to both leaf surfaces every 5–7 days for 3–4 treatments.

Silver streaks, scars, and stippling on leaf surfaces; dark frass specks on undersides; emerging leaves may be distorted or show necrotic patches. Apply spinosad or insecticidal soap weekly to all leaf surfaces. Use yellow sticky traps to capture adults and monitor pressure. Continue treatment for 4–6 weeks.

White cottony deposits at petiole nodes and in leaf axils; yellowing of affected growth; honeydew residue beneath the plant. Swab colonies directly with 70% isopropyl alcohol, then spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap on a weekly cycle for 3 weeks. Isolate the plant.