Common Pests and Issues in Philodendrons

Philodendrons are known for being adaptable and forgiving, which is part of why they are so popular as houseplants. Even so, they are not immune to pests or care-related issues, especially when light, watering, or humidity drift out of balance.

The key to keeping Philodendrons healthy is early identification. Most problems start small and are much easier to correct when caught early.

Common Pests to Watch For

Spider Mites

Symptoms:

• Tiny webbing between leaves or along stems, yellow speckling on foliage, and leaves that look dry, dusty, or faded.

Cause:

• Spider mites thrive in low humidity and dry indoor air. They are especially common during winter or in homes with forced heat.

Solution:

• Rinse leaves thoroughly with lukewarm water, focusing on the undersides
• Increase humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray
• Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days until resolved

Mealybugs

Symptoms:

• White, cottony clusters tucked into the junctions of leaves, stems, and branches or along the soil line. Sticky residue on leaves is common.

Cause:

• Dry conditions and close contact with infested plants. Mealybugs often spread quietly from nearby houseplants.

Solution:

• Dab visible insects with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol
• Follow up with weekly neem oil sprays
• Isolate the plant during treatment and inspect nearby plants

Thrips

Symptoms:

• Silvery streaks on leaves, distorted or deformed new growth, and tiny black specks from droppings.

Cause:

• Thrips often arrive on new plants or enter through open windows. They spread quickly and prefer tender new growth.

Solution:

• Prune and discard heavily affected leaves
• Apply neem oil regularly or use a systemic insecticide if infestations persist
• Use sticky traps to monitor adult populations
  

Scale

Symptoms:

• Brown or tan, dome-shaped bumps attached to stems and leaf undersides. Leaves may feel sticky or dull.

Cause:

• Warm, dry conditions and reduced airflow. Scale insects attach firmly and are often noticed once infestations are established.

Solution:

• Gently scrape scale off with a fingernail or soft toothbrush
• Apply horticultural oil or neem oil to suffocate remaining insects
• Isolate the plant and repeat treatment weekly
  

Fungus Gnats

Symptoms:

• Small black flies hovering around the soil surface or flying up when the plant is watered.

Cause:

• Overwatered soil
• Poor drainage, or soil staying wet too long between waterings.

Solution:

• Allow soil to dry more between waterings
• Apply a thin layer of sand or mosquito bits to the soil surface
• Use sticky traps to catch adult gnats
  

Common Care Issues and How to Fix Them

• Yellow Leaves
• Older, lower leaves turn yellow
• Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage

Solution: Allow soil to dry, repot in a well-draining mix, and confirm the pot has drainage holes

• Leaf Curling
• Leaf edges curl inward, leaves may feel thin or limp
• Cause: Underwatering or low humidity
• Solution: Water deeply and raise humidity levels with a humidifier or pebble tray
• Brown Leaf Tips
• Crisp, dry edges on leaves

Cause: Low humidity or salt buildup from fertilizer

Solution: Use distilled water, increase humidity, and flush soil monthly

• Leggy Growth
• Long spaces between leaves and stretched stems

Cause: Insufficient light

Solution: Move to brighter indirect light or supplement with a grow light

• No New Growth
• Little to no growth during the active season

Cause: Dormancy, nutrient deficiency, or compacted roots

Solution: Check root health, feed with a balanced fertilizer, and consider repotting

• Faded Variegation
• Loss of pink, cream, or white coloring

Cause: Low light

Solution: Move to a brighter location, especially for variegated varieties

Prevention Tips

• Inspect new plants carefully before bringing them home
  
• Quarantine new additions for 1–2 weeks
  
• Dust leaves regularly to keep pores clear and discourage pests
  
• Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil attracts pests and disease
  
• Maintain airflow around plants to reduce fungal risk
  

A healthy Philodendron grown in bright, indirect light with proper watering and airflow is far less likely to struggle with pests or stress-related issues. Regular check-ins, especially under leaves and at the soil line, can catch problems early and keep your plant thriving long term.

Refer to Common Indoor Plant Pests and How to Handle Them with Confidence for more information.