What's eating my philodendron scandens?

Philodendron scandens (heartleaf Philodendron) is a fast-growing trailing species and a favourite host for spider mites and mealybugs indoors. Its many stems and nodes give pests plenty of hiding spots. Being such a common houseplant, it is frequently the source of a mite outbreak that then spreads to other plants.

Fine yellow stippling across heart-shaped leaves; delicate webbing between trailing stems; leaves drop in severe cases. Rinse all stems under running water, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray weekly for 3–4 weeks; raise humidity.

White cottony masses at stem nodes and leaf axils along the trailing stems; honeydew leading to mould. Dab each cluster with alcohol; spray the whole plant with diluted neem oil on a 7–10 day cycle.

Clusters of soft green or brown insects on tender shoot tips; distorted new growth and sticky honeydew deposits. Blast off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap spray; repeat weekly until none remain.