What's eating my stromanthe?

Stromanthe thalia is most commonly troubled by spider mites and mealybugs indoors. Dry air is the key risk factor — this tropical plant needs consistent humidity. Fungus gnats can also appear when soil stays too wet. Regular inspection and good airflow prevent most problems.

Tiny yellow or white stippling on upper leaf surfaces; fine webbing underneath leaves; leaves lose color and dry out at edges Mist leaves and raise ambient humidity; rinse plant under lukewarm water; apply neem oil or miticide spray every 5–7 days

Fluffy white waxy deposits in leaf axils and on stems; yellowing leaves; plant grows slowly Remove visible bugs with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab; treat the whole plant with neem oil solution; isolate from other houseplants

Adult gnats fly around soil surface; larvae feed on fine roots, causing wilting and poor growth in seedlings or young plants Allow top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) drench or yellow sticky traps for adults