What's eating my rojo congo?

Philodendron 'Rojo Congo' is a tough self-heading hybrid, but its lush foliage attracts spider mites in dry indoor air and mealybugs hiding in the dense leaf crown. New red growth can also lure thrips. Routine monthly leaf-wipe and a humidity tray go a long way toward prevention.

Pale yellow stippling on large leaves, fine webbing underneath; leaves lose lustre in winter when central heating drops humidity. Shower the plant, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to all surfaces weekly; keep humidity above 50%.

White cottony clusters in leaf axils and at the central growing point; slow growth and honeydew deposits. Treat spots with isopropyl alcohol on a swab; spray whole plant with diluted neem oil every 7–10 days for a month.

Silvery scarring on new reddish leaves; distorted unfurling growth; tiny dark frass visible on leaf surfaces. Remove and dispose of badly affected leaves; apply spinosad-based spray or neem oil every 5–7 days; use sticky traps to track adult activity.