Pest identification
What's eating my spathiphyllum 'sensation'?
Spider mites
Signs: Yellowing and pale stippling on large leaves; fine webbing on undersides; leaves may brown and drop
Control: Increase humidity, rinse leaves thoroughly, and apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray weekly until infestation clears
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits deep in the crown, along petioles, and on roots; plant wilts and yellows despite adequate water
Control: Remove visible mealybugs with an alcohol swab; drench the soil with diluted neem oil to reach root mealybugs; repeat monthly
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adults are a nuisance; larvae feed on fine root hairs in wet soil, causing wilting and poor growth
Control: Let the top layer of soil dry between waterings; apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) drench; use yellow sticky traps
Keep spathiphyllum 'sensation' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Spathiphyllum 'Sensation' pests — FAQ
What is eating my spathiphyllum 'sensation'?
Spathiphyllum 'Sensation' is the largest peace lily cultivar and shares the genus's typical indoor pest vulnerabilities. Spider mites are the biggest threat, especially in dry, heated rooms. Mealybugs target the dense crown and root zone. Fungus gnats develop in consistently wet soil. The plant's love of moisture can invite multiple pests at once.
How do I get rid of spider mites on spathiphyllum 'sensation'?
Yellowing and pale stippling on large leaves; fine webbing on undersides; leaves may brown and drop Increase humidity, rinse leaves thoroughly, and apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray weekly until infestation clears
How do I get rid of mealybugs on spathiphyllum 'sensation'?
White cottony deposits deep in the crown, along petioles, and on roots; plant wilts and yellows despite adequate water Remove visible mealybugs with an alcohol swab; drench the soil with diluted neem oil to reach root mealybugs; repeat monthly
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on spathiphyllum 'sensation'?
Adults are a nuisance; larvae feed on fine root hairs in wet soil, causing wilting and poor growth Let the top layer of soil dry between waterings; apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) drench; use yellow sticky traps