Identifying spider mites on Monstera
Tiny stippled or bronze-coloured dots on leaves and fine webbing on the undersides, most likely to appear during dry winter months when indoor heating drops humidity below what Monstera prefers.
Life cycle
Complete life cycle in 1–2 weeks in hot, dry conditions. Can produce 13+ generations per year.
Damage to Monstera
Feeding damage shows as bronzed, stippled patches across Monstera's large leaf surface, and heavy infestations can cause leaves to yellow and drop, undermining the humidity-loving growth this plant needs.
How to treat spider mites on Monstera
Spray the plant forcefully with water, focusing on leaf undersides, to dislodge mites. Follow with a miticide or neem oil, repeating weekly. Raising humidity back toward Monstera's preferred 60%+ level will also slow the mites down.
Preventing spider mites on Monstera
Keep humidity at 60% or above with a humidifier or pebble tray — maintaining the humidity Monstera already needs for healthy growth also happens to be the best defence against spider mites.