Are spider mites harmful?

Yes, they suck the sap from the leaves, which weakens the plant and causes yellowing or leaf drop.

Do I need to isolate my plant?

Definitely. Move the infested plant away from your other houseplants to stop the mites from spreading.

Swiss Cheese Plant: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely at the undersides of the leaves for tiny webs.
Check for small, slow-moving dots on the foliage.
Wipe the leaves to see if any pests come off on the cloth.

Likely causes

Spider mites
Most likely
How to tell: You see tiny white or red specks moving on the leaves and fine webbing between stems.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days until they are gone.
Dry environment
Possible
How to tell: The air around the plant is very dry and mites are appearing frequently.
What to do: Increase humidity by grouping plants together or using a pebble tray. Mites thrive in dry conditions.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your swiss cheese plant

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If you see heavy webbing covering the entire plant, it is a severe infestation. Treat immediately to prevent the plant from losing all its leaves.

Stopping it coming back

Regularly wipe your plant leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean and discourage mites from settling in.

Swiss Cheese Plant: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your swiss cheese plant and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Are spider mites harmful?: Yes, they suck the sap from the leaves, which weakens the plant and causes yellowing or leaf drop.
Do I need to isolate my plant?: Definitely. Move the infested plant away from your other houseplants to stop the mites from spreading.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

How do I get rid of spider mites on my Swiss cheese plant?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your swiss cheese plant?