Pest identification
What's eating my scindapsus aureus?
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny yellow stippling on leaves; fine webs between petioles; leaves may curl and drop in heavy infestations
Control: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days, ensuring coverage of leaf undersides
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white masses in leaf joints and on stems; honeydew leads to sooty mould on leaves below
Control: Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs; spray entire plant with diluted neem oil or spinosad-based insecticide weekly until clear
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan shell-like bumps on stems and leaf undersides; leaves yellow and plant vigour declines
Control: Scrape off visible scale with a soft toothbrush; treat with horticultural oil or systemic neem every 10–14 days for 6 weeks
Keep scindapsus aureus pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Scindapsus aureus pests — FAQ
What is eating my scindapsus aureus?
Scindapsus aureus (commonly sold as golden pothos) is an easy-going houseplant but spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects will attack it under dry or stressful conditions. Regular leaf-wiping and monthly inspection catch problems early before they spread to nearby tropicals.
How do I get rid of spider mites on scindapsus aureus?
Tiny yellow stippling on leaves; fine webs between petioles; leaves may curl and drop in heavy infestations Wipe leaves with a damp cloth; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days, ensuring coverage of leaf undersides
How do I get rid of mealybugs on scindapsus aureus?
Fluffy white masses in leaf joints and on stems; honeydew leads to sooty mould on leaves below Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs; spray entire plant with diluted neem oil or spinosad-based insecticide weekly until clear
How do I get rid of scale insects on scindapsus aureus?
Brown or tan shell-like bumps on stems and leaf undersides; leaves yellow and plant vigour declines Scrape off visible scale with a soft toothbrush; treat with horticultural oil or systemic neem every 10–14 days for 6 weeks