Pocket Botanist
_on_a_leaf,_Lisbon,_Portugal_(approx._GPS_location)_julesvernex2.jpg){kind=link}
Check these first
- Look closely at the undersides of the leaves.
- Check for tiny webs or moving specks.
- Wipe the leaves with a damp paper towel to see if any pests come off.
Likely causes
Thrips
Most likelyHow to tell: You see tiny, slender insects or silvery, speckled patches on the leaves.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the insects. Treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 to 10 days until they are gone.
Spider Mites
PossibleHow to tell: Fine webbing appears between the stems or leaves.
What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant and wash the leaves thoroughly. Use neem oil to keep them from returning.
Find out what's wrong with your monstera adansonii
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Pests spread quickly to other plants, so isolate your Swiss cheese plant immediately. If the infestation is severe and the leaves are heavily damaged, it is a serious situation.
Stopping it coming back
Regularly wipe the dust off your leaves and inspect them whenever you water. Keeping the plant healthy makes it less attractive to pests.
Monstera Adansonii: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your monstera adansonii 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I use dish soap to kill pests?
- A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but insecticidal soap is safer for the plant.
- How long should I keep the plant isolated?
- Keep it away from other plants for at least 3 to 4 weeks to ensure the pests are completely gone.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Monstera Adansonii
- Why are my Swiss cheese plant leaves turning yellow?
- How do I fix root rot on my Swiss cheese plant?
- Why are my Monstera adansonii leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my Monstera adansonii growing so leggy?
- Why is my Monstera adansonii drooping?
- Why is my Monstera adansonii losing leaves?
- Why does my Monstera adansonii have brown spots?
- Why are my Monstera adansonii leaves curling?
Back to the Monstera Adansonii guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.