Monstera plants, with their big, shiny leaves, are a big hit for those who love having plants indoors. But just like other plants, they can get hit by different bugs and diseases, including scale. Scale can make leaves go yellow, brown, or weird colors, and stop your Monstera from growing, messing up its look and how well it’s doing. In this big guide from Famiplants, we’re gonna dive into the whole thing about scale bugs on Monstera plants, how to spot ’em, and what you can do to get rid of them and keep them away. Don’t let scale steal away your Monstera’s bright shine. Get ready with the info and care tips from this article, and you’ll be on the fast track to getting your Monstera back in top shape.
What are Scale on Monstera Plants look like?
Scale infestations on Monstera plants present themselves in distinctive ways that can assist in their identification. You might see these little brown lumps on the leaves or stems. Some scale bugs might even look like white or dusty spots on your Monstera. These bugs munch on the plant’s sap and can make your plant sick over time. If you don’t do something about it, they could even kill your plant.
Monstera plants mainly get two kinds of scale bugs: armored scale and soft scale. Armored scale bugs come with a hard, shell-like coat that keeps them safe from critters that want to eat them and other stuff that might harm them. On the other hand, soft scale insects lack this hard exterior, but often have a wax-like substance enveloping their bodies.
Scale damage monstera signs
Scale damage to your monsteras is a big headache and tough to sort out. Scale makes a mess in a bunch of ways on your monstera plants.
- Small bumps that range from the size of a pinhead to a pea: This is one of the no-brainer signs that scale is bugging your plant. These lumps are mostly brown or yellow and look like they’re glued to the plant.
- Sticky residue: Scale bugs squirt out a sticky juice called honeydew. This goop can end up on leaves, stuff nearby, and pots. You’ve gotta look out for this goop ’cause it shows a scale bug party’s going on.
- Black sooty mold: Scale bugs can kick off the growth of a black sooty mold thanks to the pile-up of honeydew. This is another hint that scale’s bugged your monstera plant and needs sorting out ASAP.
- Yellowing leaves: As the scale bug party gets worse, it can cause the leaves of your monstera to yellow or brown. This is a clue that your plant’s taken a big hit ’cause of the scale and needs help right now.
- Wilting stem: If you don’t sort it out, scale mess can end up making stems and branches flop and the plant can change color. If you spot signs of wilting, tackle the problem right away to save your monstera.
- White or gray patches on the underside of leaves: Another sign of a scale bug party is when you see white or gray patches on the underside of leaves. These patches are from the pile-up of honeydew and need sorting out pronto.
You gotta move fast if you spot any of these signs of scale damage on your monstera. Scale can really mess things up, so the quicker you deal with it, the better shot you got at stopping your plant from getting too banged up.
Related: Thrips on Monstera Plants: Identification and Treatment
Removing Scale on Monstera Plants
Getting rid of scale on your Monstera plants might seem tough, but with the right tricks up your sleeve, you can totally nail it.
- Use a cotton swab or toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol: Rub it gently on the spots with scale to kick those little bugs out and scrub them off your Monstera.
- Make a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water: Give the affected areas a good spray, making sure to cover your whole plant for the best effect. This won’t just help squash the scale bugs, but it’ll also clean up any sticky gunk they might’ve left behind.
- Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the affected areas: This will help nuke any leftover scale bugs and also lay down a protective shield against future invasions. Don’t forget to wash your hands really well after you’re done, ’cause this stuff can be toxic if you accidentally swallow it.
- Grab your tweezers and remove any scale you can see: Taking off the scale by hand will cut down the amount of bugs and eggs hanging around your Monstera, and also make it easier to zap the infested spots with other techniques.
To keep scale from coming back, think about setting your Monstera up in a warm, dry spot with good air movement. Getting rid of dead leaves and junk from around the bottom of the plant can also help put the brakes on scale growth. Keep a close eye on your Monstera for signs of scale so you can jump on any problems right away. Stick to these steps, and you’ll have your Monstera free of scale before you know it!
Preventing Scale on Monstera Plants
Once you’ve made sure your monstera is getting what it needs, you can take a couple of extra steps to keep scale at bay. The first thing you gotta do is keep your monstera’s leaves clean. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth or some rubbing alcohol every now and then helps get rid of any lurking bugs before they become a headache.
Also, keep a close eye on your monstera for any signs of scale making a move. Have a look at the underside of leaves and stems for any brown or yellow spots that could mean scale bugs are setting up shop. If you catch any signs of bugs moving in early, you can step in and sort it out before it becomes a big deal.
Lastly, one of the smartest moves you can make is to put any new plants you bring home on a bit of a timeout. Keeping newbies away from your current plants for a few weeks makes sure any bugs or diseases they might have don’t jump ship to your existing collection.
Scale on Monstera plants can be a real pain, but with the right know-how and tactics, it’s totally doable. Make sure you know the signs of a takeover, jump on any damage you see right away, and use these tricks to keep your odds of future flare-ups low. With these tips in mind by Famiplants, you’ll be able to keep your Monstera plants in tip-top shape and scale-free!
