I have been noticing the texture of my Monstera stems are bumpy near the top where the leaf meets the stem. I have tried to pick some off and it leaves an indentation in the stem. I have read articles related to scale or geniculum and I am not sure what the difference is. In addition, I am now noticing a brown spot on one of the leaves (dry not wet). the plant is in a NE facing window and has been since I have had it (about two years). I have other plants around it as well as pebble trays and other plants grown in only water in hopes of increasing humidity. I have also noticed on the older leaves that the stem is a lighter green that further down the stem is this normal? It is due for a repot and it is still putting out leaves however, a bit slower that normal. I need to know if I have scale ( do not know how that would have happened as it has been around the same plants for the entire time) . Thank you for your help!
Is this scale on my Monstera?
- Thread starter catsplants
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Greetings, welcome to the Forums.
The rough texture on the edge of the petioles is not scale insects, nor is it any other pest or disease. It is callused tissue that often develops on plants where they move or brush against other objects. In this case some of the movement is due to an anatomical stucture called a geniculum. A geniculum is a hinge-like structure at the top of the the petiole on some Aroid leaves. It allows the large blade of the leaf to be flexible and angle itself for best exposure to light.
The other photos show a variety of other minor abrasions, holes and spots on the leaves. The only injury to keep an eye on is the black spot in the first photo. It also might not be anything serious, but be sure to give best care with regards to light, temperature, humidity, irrigation, and drainage.
The rough texture on the edge of the petioles is not scale insects, nor is it any other pest or disease. It is callused tissue that often develops on plants where they move or brush against other objects. In this case some of the movement is due to an anatomical stucture called a geniculum. A geniculum is a hinge-like structure at the top of the the petiole on some Aroid leaves. It allows the large blade of the leaf to be flexible and angle itself for best exposure to light.
The other photos show a variety of other minor abrasions, holes and spots on the leaves. The only injury to keep an eye on is the black spot in the first photo. It also might not be anything serious, but be sure to give best care with regards to light, temperature, humidity, irrigation, and drainage.
Thank you for your assistance. Hope I didn't injure it by scraping them off. Not sure about the black spot. I did go somewhat longer between watering this tim soil was very dry