How I Brought My Monstera Deliciosa Back from the Brink of DEATH (Thrip Infestation)

When my young Monstera deliciosa started showing signs of distress, I was devastated. What had been a promising, lush plant was reduced to a few scraggly leaves. After some investigation, I discovered the culprit: thrips. This journey of reviving my plant taught me a lot about pest management and patience, and I’m thrilled to share my success story with you.

What Are Thrips?

Thrips are tiny, slender insects that can wreak havoc on houseplants. These pests feed on plants by puncturing the surface of the leaves and sucking out the nutrients inside. The damage can be devastating, especially for young or vulnerable plants.

You can check out a great explainer and photos of a thrips infestation at HousePlantJournal.com. My infestation looked exactly like the sad monstera halfway down the page.

Signs of a Thrip Infestation:

• White Streaks or Spots on Leaves: Thrips leave behind small silvery or white streaks, often where they’ve fed.

• Yellowing Leaves: The affected leaves may turn yellow or even fall off as the plant struggles to recover.

• Stunted Growth: A thrip infestation can halt new growth, leaving your plant looking tired and lifeless.

If you notice these signs, act quickly! Thrips reproduce rapidly, and a small problem can turn into a big one in no time.

Be sure to check out my blog post on the five things I learned to grow the perfect onion crop!

My Treatment Plan

My monstera was hanging on by a thread—just a few leaves remained, and even those were looking worse for wear. I decided to go all-in with a two-pronged approach:

1. Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control

This product works from the inside out. It’s a systemic insecticide, meaning the plant absorbs it through the roots and distributes it throughout its tissues. When thrips feed on the treated plant, they ingest the insecticide, effectively halting the infestation.

• How to Use: Sprinkle the granules into the soil and water as usual. The insecticide works over time, providing long-lasting protection.

• Why It Worked: This approach tackled the thrips that were already inside the plant, offering a systemic solution to a systemic problem.

2. Captain Jack’s Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be applied directly to the plant’s leaves. It works by suffocating the pests and interrupting their life cycle.

• How to Use: Mix the oil with water according to the instructions and spray it liberally on the plant, making sure to cover the undersides of the leaves where thrips often hide.

• Why It Helped: Neem oil provided a topical solution, killing any remaining pests on the surface and deterring new ones from settling in.

The Recovery Process

Treating a thrip infestation isn’t an overnight fix. It took a few months of diligent care to see results. During that time, I:

• Monitored the plant closely for signs of new infestations.

• Maintained a consistent treatment schedule with the systemic insecticide and neem oil.

• Pruned any severely damaged leaves to allow the plant to focus its energy on recovery.

At one point, I wondered if the plant would survive. But then—finally—a breakthrough! I spotted new growth. That tiny new leaf was a sign that my Monstera was on the mend.

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Thriving Once Again

Now, my Monstera deliciosa is thriving, with lush, healthy leaves and a renewed vigor. It’s a reminder of how resilient plants can be with the right care and attention. She still has a few battle wounds, but who doesn’t.

Tips for Preventing Future Thrip Infestations

• Inspect New Plants: Always check for pests before introducing new plants to your collection.

• Keep a Close Eye: Regularly inspect your plants for early signs of thrips or other pests.

• Stay Vigilant: Even if your plant looks healthy, occasional preventative neem oil treatments can help keep pests at bay.

Bringing my Monstera back from the brink was a labor of love, but seeing it flourish again has been incredibly rewarding. If you’re dealing with a thrip infestation, don’t give up—your plant’s recovery could be just around the corner!

Have you ever battled thrips or other plant pests? Share your experiences in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you’ve helped your plants thrive! 🌱

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