---
title: "I need some advice. I’m a fairly new plant parent so bear with me. I…"
description: "I need some advice. I’m a fairly new plant parent so bear with me. I have an infestation of thrips, spider mites and some sort of bacteria or fungus infection.…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/jRRM3mUxR_m4MSCN-A3u0g"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Chelle"
published: "2024-07-14T23:57:48.76374Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/RfuzUU0I470Vcha_CNI5XCIqqEp-VtQZFqmqcMMetiU/6mBuq4GzQtqgoL8DaiCsMA.webp?size=large"
---

[Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Pests, diseases and problems](https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ.md)

# I need some advice. I’m a fairly new plant parent so bear with me. I…

_Posted by Chelle on 2024-07-14_

I need some advice. I’m a fairly new plant parent so bear with me. I have an infestation of thrips, spider mites and some sort of bacteria or fungus infection. I’m not sure exactly how I should handle this. Does anyone know if neem max spray (70% neem) is helpful? Can I spray anything on the roots to sterilize them when I re pot? I’m going to take them out of there pot and shower them before I re pot. Can I use dawn dish soap on the plant? I’m transplanting to semi hydro. I’m so overwhelmed! We bought some plants about a month ago and they must have been infected. Any advice on the steps I should take would be so appreciated. My plants make me so happy and I can’t stand that they are all suffering. Thanks! Yesterday, most of these holes weren’t here. It happened overnight. It was that fast. I also have what looks like webbing on the pothos in the morning when I got up.

![Attachment 1 of 7](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/RfuzUU0I470Vcha_CNI5XCIqqEp-VtQZFqmqcMMetiU/6mBuq4GzQtqgoL8DaiCsMA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 7](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/RfuzUU0I470Vcha_CNI5XCIqqEp-VtQZFqmqcMMetiU/b5Giv5C9QBmjb2QN9K2Tag.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 7](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/RfuzUU0I470Vcha_CNI5XCIqqEp-VtQZFqmqcMMetiU/F2xn4o_DQQSM7muXCT85-w.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 4 of 7](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/RfuzUU0I470Vcha_CNI5XCIqqEp-VtQZFqmqcMMetiU/0dplVhQzTAmV-V08K0lATQ.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 5 of 7](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/RfuzUU0I470Vcha_CNI5XCIqqEp-VtQZFqmqcMMetiU/RijobIBIQW6AQ30H5Y8biQ.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 6 of 7](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/RfuzUU0I470Vcha_CNI5XCIqqEp-VtQZFqmqcMMetiU/d_dFr9VKQniUOk3xpNkemA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 7 of 7](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/RfuzUU0I470Vcha_CNI5XCIqqEp-VtQZFqmqcMMetiU/Cy74uLvBQRuwmtQrnBhhiA.webp?size=large)

## 7 comments

### Debbie commented on 2024-07-15

Rinse off all your foliage-even the undersides. Roots can sit briefly in diluted hydrogen peroxide mixture. Dilute dawn soap or neem spray. Good luck. There are also sprays like @#$% Off which is a concentrated multipurpose pest spray. Good luck.

#### Chelle replied on 2024-07-15

Thank you. Wow this is a nightmare

### StringofMonsteras commented on 2024-07-16

Burn the house down? Praying for u!

#### Chelle replied on 2024-07-19

Omg I’m about to! I’m still replanting and treating everything today.

#### StringofMonsteras replied on 2024-07-19

Hope your plants make it!

### Mugsy commented on 2024-07-17

I totally know what you are going through. I’m new to plants as well and dealing with pest is very overwhelming. Take a deep breath. Spraying with rubbing alcohol will work for spider mites. The key is to treat it several times across several days until you see the mites are gone. Thrips require treatment (horticultural oil, soap, shower down entire plant) every five days for at least a month and monitor the plants regularly for several months. You can also reach out to a Planta expert, that’s what I did.

#### Chelle replied on 2024-07-19

Thank you I didn’t know I could reach out to them

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