Hi,

As ny username states, I'm a newbie with plants of any kind and have maybe been a bit naive in terms of the care they require.

I bought a beautiful Philodendron from Sainsbury's which sits in a bright(ish) spot, away from direct sunlight as per the guidance on the label.

I've noticed recently that my plant has developed a white fluffy substance on some of the leaves as well as a sticky looking texture.

Can anyone tell me what this is and how I can treat it?

If anyone has any other best practice tips for this type of plant, please feel free to share because I love the idea of having lots of plants in the house but don't have any experience in caring for them.

Thanks in advance.

Hi and welcome!
Your plant isn't a philodendron, it's an Epipremnum aureum. Commonly and erroneously referred to in the plant trade as 'pothos'.
The white fluff balls are a sap sucking insect called mealybug, and the sticky stuff is a substance they secrete called honeydew.
Many people advocate using alcohol and Q tips to kill them, but on a large plant with a large infestation a systemic insecticide would work better.
Mealies can be hard to eradicate on a houseplant because they can hide in the many nooks and crannies.
Some people also use insecticidal soap, or neem oil spray

100% mealybugs
Systemic would be a great idea.
I have treated mealybugs well on other plants by using a spray of half alcohol/half water. With just treating by spray or wiping, remember one treatment also surely is NOT the end of the pest- plan to repeat a few times and be watchful for the pests again.

Hi! And welcome!
Great advise!
And you can also check our Data Base for more info about your plant. Click here. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Good luck!

Thank you all for the great advice and quick replies 🙏

AbsoluteNoob said: Thank you all for the great advice and quick replies 🙏

Hello AbsoluteNoob,

I'm new to gardening and this forum too. Everyone has been very helpful and welcoming. You're from the UK too. I'm based in Gloucester.

JJ x