Will spider mites kill my plant?

If left untreated, they will drain the plant of nutrients and cause significant leaf drop. Treat them as soon as you spot them.

Do I need to isolate the plant?

Yes, move the affected plant away from your others to prevent the mites from spreading.

What are these tiny webs on my Neon Philodendron?

Check these first

Look closely at the undersides of the leaves for tiny moving specks.
Check for fine webbing near the leaf nodes.
Wipe the leaves with a wet paper towel to see if any debris comes off.

Likely causes

Spider Mites
Most likely
How to tell: You see fine, silky webbing between leaves or tiny yellow stippling marks on the foliage.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Spray the plant thoroughly with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until the infestation is gone.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The air around the plant is very dry, which encourages mites to move in.
What to do: Increase humidity by grouping plants together or using a humidifier. Mites hate moisture, so keeping the air slightly more humid helps prevent them from returning.

When to worry

If you see heavy webbing covering the entire plant, it is a severe infestation that requires immediate treatment.

Stopping it coming back

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

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your neon philodendron.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Will spider mites kill my plant?: If left untreated, they will drain the plant of nutrients and cause significant leaf drop. Treat them as soon as you spot them.
Do I need to isolate the plant?: Yes, move the affected plant away from your others to prevent the mites from spreading.