--- title: "Do you guys think these brown dots are pests? I don’t see any on the…" description: "Do you guys think these brown dots are pests? I don’t see any on the plant anywhere, but what could cause that? Thank you!" url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/6eDicaT7tGSGzUjaBgXjel" community: "Anything about plants" author: "Kendra" published: "2026-09-07T17:32:06.913583Z" language: "en" image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/27n5QgeDG2SCXU-wtgCCQW72aKBoebxeU4OUjTH_5PI/g0AapVKERQincNL9kckJ0A.webp?size=large" --- [Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Anything about plants](https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg.md) # Do you guys think these brown dots are pests? I don’t see any on the… _Posted by Kendra on 2026-09-07_ Do you guys think these brown dots are pests? I don’t see any on the plant anywhere, but what could cause that? Thank you! ![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/27n5QgeDG2SCXU-wtgCCQW72aKBoebxeU4OUjTH_5PI/g0AapVKERQincNL9kckJ0A.webp?size=large) ![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/27n5QgeDG2SCXU-wtgCCQW72aKBoebxeU4OUjTH_5PI/yOwjfEg0Ts-KSb6056qytg.webp?size=large) ## 16 comments ### Diana commented on 2026-09-07 I’d let the more experienced plant people on here weigh in. However, mine came with some like that from the store after being wet out in the sun so I think they were burns from the water droplets. I haven’t noticed them spreading or any on the new leaves that have come in since. #### Kendra replied on 2026-09-07 Thank you, I wasn’t worried but the redder leaf is brand new and unfurled with that but it could be residual from the store as I’ve only had it a month ### John G Amero commented on 2026-09-07 I do not know what causes what you are seeing. My sixth sense though says , for the one on the right, the philodendron, I wouldn’t worry about it. Today was picture day at my place, for the same type of plant. I got the plant at the end of 2025. I have not reported it yet, so it’s still in the same pot that it came in when I bought it at Home Depot. Your leaves look absolutely fine just as mine do. ![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/6gxEM_j_mJgdysj-2z4vmXECXcvvzQ8T9LpBISEIrd4/kuz_GKZeTe-o_Zs0RX84wA.webp?size=large) ### Phil commented on 2026-09-07 If it rubs off, it’s probably fungal. If not then probably EFN’s, which is natural. Look up EFN to get exact name. #### Kendra replied on 2026-09-07 Based on a google search you win! Thats what they look like. Thank you! ### Karzdan commented on 2026-09-07 Good chance it's thrips. They will damage a leaf before it unfureles. I've seen this with my pothos early on and as time progressed, I could see them. I've started to use a systemic pest control that plants absorb. It's supposed to prevent an infestation by making the sap unpalatable. Wish me luck 🤞🏻 #### Kendra replied on 2026-09-07 Good luck! I was thinking of treating just in case also #### Karzdan replied on 2026-09-07 I sure hope it works. I'm adding it to my water jugs before i start my daily ritual. Every plant will be getting treated. If I see improvements, this will be the norm for now on. #### Planta member replied on 2026-09-07 what product did you get that you’re adding to your water? Sounds like a good biweekly preventative measure too! ### Tee Jay commented on 2026-09-07 Looks like extra floral nectaries. Very normal for philos! #### Kendra replied on 2026-09-07 Thank you! ### Sondra commented on 2026-09-08 To echo what others have said, there’s a good chance it’s EFNs but it could also be rust fungus. I just got an orange marmalade philodendron a few days ago and it has spots just like these, I honestly can’t tell if it’s EFNs or not since I’m new to philodendrons but I have it quarantined and I’m treating for rust fungus just in case! #### Kendra replied on 2026-09-09 Thanks for the input! I’m also treating just in case ### ✨RoRo✨ commented on 2026-09-09 Kendra, are under the leaves sticky? #### Kendra replied on 2026-09-09 No, they’re not #### ✨RoRo✨ replied on 2026-09-09 Oh, then I don’t think it’s EFNs - the plant releases a sap/nectar to attract good pests and the older leaves will often secrete the sap when they are happy (getting good light and water). For my ring of fire (hydroponic), I check every so often and use a leaf spray, warm water, and a microfiber cloth to wipe off the sap (which is pure sugar) so It “burns” which caused the spots on my leaves which look similar to yours as well. I typed all of that hoping we had the same “issue”! Fingers-crossed it’s not an infection or pests. ![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/SHDaWMqb_O9rnzt8-mC-xZ8sRBet0RyPG-7XqcslMH4/NN8nUWwUSmaVwxhWVP8fEw.webp?size=large) --- _Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_