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.

Neon Philodendron: pests, causes and fixes

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.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your neon 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 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.

Neon Philodendron: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your neon 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 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.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

What are these tiny webs on my Neon Philodendron?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your neon philodendron?