Plant Care

Monstera Pests: Identification and Treatment Guide

Last updated: January 13, 2026

Common monstera pests include spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and thrips. Early identification and targeted treatment prevent serious damage to your plant.

TTerrence "TJ" Johnson

January 13, 2026

Person examining monstera leaves with magnifying glass for early pest detection and identification — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and thrips are the most common monstera pests. Weekly leaf inspections and immediate neem oil treatment prevent serious infestations.

TL;DR

Monstera pests like spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and thrips cause yellow spots, webbing, and sticky residue. Weekly inspections catch problems early. Neem oil and insecticidal soap effectively treat most infestations when applied consistently for 2-3 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common pests that attack monstera plants?

Spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and thrips are the four most common monstera pests. Spider mites cause yellow stippling and webbing, mealybugs appear as white cottony masses, scale insects look like brown bumps on stems, and thrips create silvery streaks on leaves. Fungus gnats also commonly infest the soil of overwatered plants.

How do I know if my monstera has spider mites?

Look for fine webbing between leaves and stems, yellow stippling dots on leaf surfaces, and tiny moving specks on leaf undersides when viewed with a magnifying glass. Spider mites thrive in dry indoor air below 40% humidity and multiply rapidly, so early detection through weekly inspections is crucial for effective treatment.

Can I use neem oil on my monstera for pest control?

Yes, neem oil is safe and effective for treating most monstera pests including spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Mix 2 tablespoons per gallon of water and spray all leaf surfaces including undersides. Apply in early morning or evening to prevent leaf burn, and repeat every 3-5 days for 2-3 weeks until pest activity stops.

Why does my monstera keep getting pests despite treatment?

Incomplete treatment cycles are the most common cause of recurring pest problems. Many pest eggs survive initial treatments and hatch 1-3 weeks later. Continue treatments for 4-6 weeks minimum, maintain proper humidity levels above 50%, and ensure you're treating all leaf surfaces including undersides where pests typically hide and reproduce.

Should I throw away a monstera with a bad pest infestation?

Most pest infestations are treatable with persistent, proper treatment protocols. Only discard plants with severe systemic damage or if the infestation has spread to multiple plants despite treatment efforts. Isolate the affected plant immediately and follow a 4-6 week treatment protocol combining physical removal, appropriate pesticides, and environmental controls before making disposal decisions.

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Tagged with

#monstera pests #spider mites #mealybugs #scale insects #thrips #fungus gnats #neem oil #insecticidal soap #pest control #plant health

Written By

Terrence "TJ" Johnson

TJ stumbled into plant parenthood when a coworker gave him a neglected pothos. That single plant sparked an obsession that led him to quit his corporate marketing job and start a plant care service for busy professionals in Chicago. TJ maintains over 150 plants for residential clients and runs monthly plant swap meetups at local coffee shops. He's self-taught through YouTube, plant forums, and plenty of expensive mistakes (RIP to his variegated monstera). TJ specializes in troubleshooting common houseplant problems and is known for his blunt, no-BS advice: "Your plant isn't dying because Mercury is in retrograde—you're overwatering it." He's particularly skilled with finicky tropical plants like fiddle leaf figs and calatheas.