Are spider mites harmful?

They suck the sap from your plant, which weakens it and causes leaves to yellow or drop. They need to be treated as soon as you spot them.

Do I need to isolate my plant?

Yes, move the infested plant away from your other houseplants immediately to prevent the mites from spreading.

Swiss Cheese Plant: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny moving specks.
Look for thin, silky webs near the leaf joints.
Check if the leaves look dusty or discolored.

Likely causes

Spider mites
Most likely
How to tell: You will see fine webbing between the leaves and tiny yellow stippling on the foliage.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Follow up by spraying the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days until they are gone.
Low humidity
Possible
How to tell: The leaves look dull and the plant seems stressed, making it more prone to mite infestations.
What to do: Increase humidity by grouping plants together or using a humidifier. Misting the leaves occasionally can also help deter these pests.

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 serious infestation. A few mites are manageable, but they multiply quickly in dry air.

Stopping it coming back

Wipe your plant leaves with a damp cloth every month to keep them clean and dust free. Keep the plant away from dry heat sources like radiators.

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?: They suck the sap from your plant, which weakens it and causes leaves to yellow or drop. They need to be treated as soon as you spot them.
Do I need to isolate my plant?: Yes, move the infested plant away from your other houseplants immediately to prevent the mites from spreading.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

How do I get rid of pests on my Swiss Cheese Plant?

Check these first

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