What's eating my philodendron squamiferum?

Philodendron squamiferum, with its distinctive hairy red petioles, is vulnerable to the same indoor pests as other aroids. Spider mites and mealybugs are the most common attackers. The texture of the petioles can actually harbor mealybug colonies that are easy to miss on routine inspection, so run your fingers along stems every two weeks.

White waxy clusters hidden in the hair-like bristles of the petioles and at leaf nodes; honeydew secretions; slow growth and yellowing leaves. Dab colonies carefully with isopropyl alcohol swabs, paying extra attention to the hairy stem texture. Follow with neem oil or insecticidal soap sprayed along all stems weekly for 3–4 weeks.

Pale stippling on leaf surfaces and fine webbing on undersides; leaves bronze or become dull in prolonged infestations. Rinse the plant thoroughly under lukewarm water. Apply neem oil or diluted insecticidal soap to both leaf sides every 5–7 days. Keep humidity above 50% to deter mites.

Hard brown bumps on petioles and stems; sticky honeydew residue; leaves may yellow over time as the plant is weakened. Scrape visible scales off with a soft toothbrush, then apply 70% alcohol to affected areas. Follow with horticultural oil sprays every 10 days for 3–4 weeks.