Are spider mites harmful?

They suck the sap from the leaves, which weakens the plant over time. They need to be treated quickly to prevent damage.

Do I need to isolate my plant?

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

Why does my Silver Philodendron have pests? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves with a flashlight.
Look for fine webbing between the leaf nodes.
Check for tiny moving specks on the leaf surface.

Likely causes

Spider Mites
Most likely
How to tell: You see fine, silky webbing on the undersides of leaves or near the stems. The leaves may look stippled or pale.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap once a week for three weeks.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The air in your home is very dry, which encourages mites to move in. The leaves might look dull or brittle.
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 silver 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 whole plant, the infestation is severe. A few stray mites are manageable with quick treatment.

Stopping it coming back

Wipe the leaves clean every month to remove dust and discourage pests. Keep the plant away from dry heat sources like vents.

Silver Philodendron: pests? Check yours with a photo

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

Are spider mites harmful?: They suck the sap from the leaves, which weakens the plant over time. They need to be treated quickly to prevent damage.
Do I need to isolate my plant?: Yes, move the affected plant away from your other plants to prevent the mites from spreading.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

Why does my Silver Philodendron have pests?