What's eating my rhaphidophora tetrasperma (mini monstera)?

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma (Mini Monstera) is a fast grower that most commonly battles spider mites and thrips indoors. Its thin, fenestrated leaves make damage from these pests immediately visible. Fungus gnats can affect it when soil stays too wet. Catching pests early prevents rapid spread given how quickly this plant produces new leaves.

Pale stippling and bronze discoloration on leaf surfaces; fine webbing on undersides and around fenestrations; leaves may yellow and drop quickly. Increase humidity and rinse the plant with water. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to both leaf surfaces every 5–7 days for 3–4 weeks. Keep away from heating vents.

Silver or brown streaking across leaves; dark frass specks on undersides; new growth emerges distorted or with necrotic patches along edges. Remove and bin affected leaves. Spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap weekly for 4–6 weeks. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor adult thrip populations.

Larvae feed on fine root hairs, causing wilting, yellowing, and slow growth; tiny dark flies hovering around soil surface are the first sign. Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Apply a diluted hydrogen peroxide soil drench (1 part 3% H2O2 to 4 parts water) or use Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) granules. Yellow sticky traps catch adults.

White cottony clusters at stem nodes and leaf axils; sticky honeydew on leaves; affected growth slows and yellows. Treat colonies with isopropyl alcohol on cotton swabs. Follow with neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays weekly for 3–4 cycles. Isolate from other plants immediately.