Ordered a philodendron micans recently - it came with leaf damage on a few of its leaves. Multiple spots that are yellow/transparent, on the underside of the leave there are sticky sap like liquid where the spots are. Since it's arrived it's put out 2 new leaves and has 3 growth points. I also found this little white bug in the soil - no bugs on the leaves,.




Should I spray down with neem oil?? What is this?

I generally spray new plants with neem oil when I see any signs of critters living in them. Also most people will keep new plants separate (plant quarantine )for 2 weeks just in case they do have something that could be transferred to your other plants.

Have the new leaves shown any signs of spots or sap like the others?

Extrafloral nectaries?

I think that not withstanding seeing that bug, it could be heat damage. If it was shipped during this intense heat wave (I know it was 107 in LA the other day) it may have cooked a little

Thank you for the responses! I'm attaching a picture of the (2) new leaves (top 2) that have unfurled in my care. They look good except the little notches towards the tip. No spots atm.

I removed the top layer of soil, sprayed with neem oil, and placed more soil on top. Hopefully that takes care of bugs...

flashy_lights said:Extrafloral nectaries?

Is that typical for random spots on leaves? I see it on some of my other plants, typically in more of a symmetrical pattern closer to the stem.

Gina1960 said:heat damage

This has been with me for a few weeks so it didn't go through the terrible heat wave, to my knowledge.

So I think these spots may be Extrafloral nectaries (EFNs).
Plant has continued to grow very well, no spots on new growth, though there are pinpoints that look suspect.

Here is picture of old leaf with spots and 14x zoom.


There are some awesome looking aerial roots on the newer growth (I love the texture ). I am thinking of propagating from these, should I bury them in soil or cut and bury? A lot of articles to water propagate but if there are such strong roots is that necessary?