Pest identification
What's eating my philodendron pink congo?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters at leaf axils and stem joints; sticky honeydew on leaves
Control: Dab individual colonies with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray every 7 days for 3 weeks
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on undersides of leaves; stippled, dull-looking foliage; leaves may yellow and drop
Control: Increase humidity, rinse foliage with lukewarm water, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks
Thrips
Signs: Silver-streaked or scarred leaf surfaces, especially on emerging pink growth; distorted new leaves
Control: Remove heavily infested leaves; spray with insecticidal soap or spinosad-based product; sticky yellow traps help monitor population
Keep philodendron pink congo pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Philodendron Pink Congo pests — FAQ
What is eating my philodendron pink congo?
Philodendron Pink Congo is most commonly attacked by mealybugs hiding in leaf axils and stem joints, and by spider mites in dry indoor air. Thrips can scar the new pink growth. Inspect the undersides of leaves weekly; quarantine new plants and treat early with neem oil or insecticidal soap to protect the prized pink coloration.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on philodendron pink congo?
White cottony clusters at leaf axils and stem joints; sticky honeydew on leaves Dab individual colonies with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray every 7 days for 3 weeks
How do I get rid of spider mites on philodendron pink congo?
Fine webbing on undersides of leaves; stippled, dull-looking foliage; leaves may yellow and drop Increase humidity, rinse foliage with lukewarm water, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of thrips on philodendron pink congo?
Silver-streaked or scarred leaf surfaces, especially on emerging pink growth; distorted new leaves Remove heavily infested leaves; spray with insecticidal soap or spinosad-based product; sticky yellow traps help monitor population