Are thrips hard to get rid of?

They can be persistent because they lay eggs inside the leaf tissue. You must be consistent with your treatments for several weeks to break their life cycle.

Should I throw the plant away?

Not unless the infestation is extremely severe. Most Monsteras can recover with consistent cleaning and treatment.

Swiss cheese plant: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Examine the undersides of the leaves with a flashlight.
Look for tiny black specks on the leaf surface.
Check nearby plants for similar signs of damage.

Likely causes

Thrips
Most likely
How to tell: You see tiny, slender insects or small black dots of waste on the leaves. The leaves may look dull or have silvery patches.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove as many pests as possible. Treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days until the infestation is gone.
Poor Air Circulation
Possible
How to tell: The plant is in a very stagnant corner with no airflow.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with better air movement. Gently wipe the leaves regularly to keep them clean and discourage pests from settling in.

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

Thrips can spread quickly to other plants, so isolate your Monstera as soon as you see them. If the damage is widespread, it may take several weeks of treatment to clear.

Stopping it coming back

Inspect your plants weekly for any signs of pests. Keep your plant healthy with proper light and water to help it resist infestations.

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 thrips hard to get rid of?: They can be persistent because they lay eggs inside the leaf tissue. You must be consistent with your treatments for several weeks to break their life cycle.
Should I throw the plant away?: Not unless the infestation is extremely severe. Most Monsteras can recover with consistent cleaning and treatment.

Guides to these causes

Thrips

Why does my Swiss cheese plant have silvery streaks?

Check these first

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