Will spider mites kill my plant?

If left untreated, they will drain the plant of nutrients and eventually cause it to die. Early detection is key.

Do I need to quarantine my plant?

Yes, move the affected plant away from others immediately. Mites can easily travel to your other houseplants.

Heartleaf Philodendron: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely at the undersides of the leaves for tiny webs.
Check for small yellow or white spots on the leaf surface.
Wipe the leaves with a wet paper towel to see if any pests come off.

Likely causes

Spider Mites
Most likely
How to tell: You see tiny webs on the undersides of leaves or small yellow dots on the foliage.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth or give the plant a gentle shower. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to treat the infestation.
Dry Air
Possible
How to tell: The plant is in a very dry room, which encourages mites to move in.
What to do: Increase humidity by grouping plants together or using a pebble tray. Mites prefer dry, dusty conditions.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your heartleaf philodendron

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 stems, the infestation is advanced. Treat immediately to prevent the pests from spreading to other plants.

Stopping it coming back

Regularly wipe the leaves clean and keep the plant in a spot with good air circulation.

Heartleaf Philodendron: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your heartleaf philodendron 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

Will spider mites kill my plant?: If left untreated, they will drain the plant of nutrients and eventually cause it to die. Early detection is key.
Do I need to quarantine my plant?: Yes, move the affected plant away from others immediately. Mites can easily travel to your other houseplants.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

Are there bugs on my heartleaf philodendron?