Monstera Pests & Bugs: Signs and How To Treat Them

The most popular bugs on Monstera are aphids, Mealybugs, thrips, Spider mites, and Scale Insects. Remove bugs from your Monstera manually and prevent future infestations through various methods. People should use more potent insecticides for severe infections. Whatever treatment you use, your Monstera is resilient and will recover quickly.

How to detect bugs on Monstera

Detect bugs on Monstera by simply observing the color of the plant’s leaves. If you see strange leaves spots such as yellow, brown, white, or black, the most likely cause is pests. Not all insects are large enough for us to see. But with such tiny problems, it is not easy to get rid of them early to prevent them from causing more severe damage to crops. You can also spray pesticides on the plants to prevent Monstera’s tiny white bugs or black. But you also need to ensure the health of family members when spraying.

Thrips bug on Monstera

Common bugs on Monstera

You should know some common bugs on Monstera to find suitable solutions for killing them to protect plants. They are Mealybugs, Spider mites, Scale Aphids, and Aphids.

Mealybugs, hiding and harmful bugs for Monstera

Regardless of its size or type, it’s hiding bugs and has harmful concealments to collect views. Mealybugs release honey, a syrup containing concentrated sugars stolen from plants. The ants love it and often carry mealybugs from plant to plant. Monstera can be difficult to spot, like Monstera Adansonii, so take your time. More severe pests and diseases will wilt leaves. Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to address it. Read on, and I’ll walk you through some of the little horrors your Monstera might want to defeat.

The most effective way to combat mealybug is to get rid of them. Apply a little diluted alcohol to the cotton tip and then wipe the bugs off the plant. Monitor for reinfection every few days. Mealybugs lay a lot of eggs then explode every five or seven days.

Mealybugs

Spider mites, tiny terrors for Monstera

Spider Mites are tiny terrors (Monstera Pests) that are difficult to see with your eyes. Their color varies from black to magenta to white. These little bugs on Monstera plant weave silk threads around their subject and wrap them while absorbing water. This type of silk is often the most obvious sign that you’re in trouble. Spider mites leave distinctive, delicate brown spots on both sides of betel leaves. Lesions are usually more severe near the veins. But can appear anywhere on the tree.

Spider Mites

It is best to remove red spider mites by hand. Monstera is a tropical forest species, so they like to be sprayed with a shower or hose. You should wash the knobs and base of aerial roots as they want to hide in these areas. Spiders love dry, low-humidity conditions, so maintaining good tropical humidity around your plants will also keep them away.

Scale Insect, a wise enemy for Monstera planters

Small brown lumps on your plant are the most common appearance of scale insects, although they can also be brown, cream-colored, or black. The majority of scales have a diameter of around 1/8 inch and are either round or oval in shape. Scale can be found on plants if you notice small pimples that can be removed with your fingernails.

In addition to the stems, Monstera Deliciosa leaves can be infested with scale. Whenever you water your Monstera plant, take a moment to inspect it for any symptoms of insect infestation or other health issues. Observe the stems, tips, and bottom of the leaves to better understand.

Scake Insect

Cleaning Indoor Plants of Scale

You can remove a lot of the scale using your fingernails or a soft brush, but remember that certain insects may be obstinate and require a bit more power. Also, don’t pluck or brush off the scales and accidentally drop them into the soil or on another part of the plant. They’ll reattach or lay eggs, and you’ll be back in the same scenario!

You can rinse the plant after pulling off the scale to assist remove any stragglers, but make sure to flip the plant on its side so you don’t just wash the scale into the soil or over-soak the potting mix.

Using a cotton swab, remove any visible traces of scale

One method for removing the scale is to soak a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and then massage the swab over the scale. This might help to get rid of some of the more tenacious insects, but be careful not to pour too much alcohol directly on the plant.

Remove Infested Leaves and Stems

If the scales on your Monstera’s leaves or branches have totally taken over, it may be better to cut them off.

A pair of sharp pruning shears should be sanitized with soap and hot water or rubbing alcohol and used to carefully remove any overgrown leaves or stems, avoiding knocking down any scales.

Aphids, a nuisance for indoor gardeners

Aphids (Pests on Monstera) are a significant nuisance for indoor gardeners. Most of these species are about the size of a sesame seed and range in color from translucent to black, green, and brown. They reproduce quickly, with a single aphid capable of producing enough to cover even the toughest houseplants for several weeks. 

Aphids on Monstera

Fortunately, they do not like Monstera and hardly attack it. However, you will almost certainly get a march ahead of invaders taking their chances. If you notice them on your Monstera, it’s best to start by removing them manually and washing them thoroughly. You need to do it once or twice a week if possible. It is a lot of work, especially if you’ve pinned a Monstera to a wall or other heavy feature.

Your solution is to spray neem oil or horticultural soap directly onto the plant. Make sure to get into the nooks and crannies of the plant, especially around the petioles. If aphids attack your indoor Monstera, you should consider biological control options. They are a favorite food for ladybugs, and they can be purchased online or at garden supply stores.

Related Post: Overwatered Monstera: Signs and fix Swiss Cheese Plant

Conclusion

It is the most frequent and dangerous disease for pole-climbing Monstera, so infected plants are often weak and stunted. The leaves curl, often infected by fungal infections. If the plant shows signs of disease, use cotton swabs soaked in alcohol or lime water to clean the leaves. Should gently wipe in the leaf axils, where there are aphids, to destroy them thoroughly. Do it twice a week. After two weeks, you will see good results.

If you clean the leaves and the plant still does not heal, the aphids may be lying deep in the ground. You should check the roots and water the diluted potassium permanganate for Monstera. After two weeks, you should replace the new bare soil for plants and trim the branches. As a result, the tree will be airier, and easier to detect bugs.


Sylvia Matlock

Sylvia Matlock

Sylvia Matlock graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago, which shows in everything she does, from adding depth, texture, and color to selecting the best plant for the job. She curates plants, garden accessories, indoor and outdoor furnishings, and gifts for the retail store. Plants suited for the site or environment are used in landscape design and installation for commercial and residential customers.


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