What's eating my philodendron xanadu?

Philodendron Xanadu shares the pest profile of other tropical philodendrons: spider mites, mealybugs, and scale are the most frequent indoor problems. Thrips occasionally scar the distinctive lobed leaves. Outdoors in warm climates, slugs and aphids also attack. The compact, dense growth habit gives pests good shelter at the centre of the clump.

Fine webbing between stems at the plant's centre; pale yellow stippling across leaf surfaces; leaves look dry and dull. Rinse the plant in a shower to dislodge mites; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray, focusing on the centre of the clump; repeat every 5–7 days.

White cottony clusters at stem bases and leaf joints in the centre of the plant; honeydew buildup; stunted new growth. Part the clump to access the stem bases; swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly until resolved.

Small tan or brown bumps on petioles and stems; plant gradually weakens; honeydew and sooty mold develop. Manually remove with a soft brush and alcohol; apply horticultural oil spray; monitor and repeat after 2 weeks for successive hatch cycles.

Silver-gray streaks or tiny papery scars across the leaf lobes; distorted or curled emerging leaves; black fecal dots visible. Remove affected leaves; spray all surfaces with spinosad or insecticidal soap; use blue sticky traps to catch adults; treat every 5–7 days for at least 3 cycles.