Pest identification
What's eating my calathea picturata 'argentea'?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine pale speckling across silver leaf surfaces; webbing under leaves; leaf edges may brown and curl
Control: Increase humidity significantly, mist or shower leaves, spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days for 3 weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white wax at stem joints and leaf axils; leaves yellow and lose vigour
Control: Dab with alcohol on a cotton swab; follow up with a neem oil spray; repeat every 7 days until clear
Fungus gnats
Signs: Root damage from larvae; adults visible at soil surface and on surrounding surfaces
Control: Reduce watering frequency; use sticky yellow traps; treat soil with Bti drench
Keep calathea picturata 'argentea' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats calathea picturata — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What eats calathea picturata 'argentea' — our other guide for the same plant
- PictureThis alternatives — 7 plant ID apps compared
- Common calathea picturata 'argentea' problems & fixes
- Calathea Picturata 'Argentea' watering schedule
- Calathea Picturata 'Argentea' light requirements
- Full calathea picturata 'argentea' care guide
Calathea Picturata 'Argentea' pests — FAQ
What is eating my calathea picturata 'argentea'?
Calathea Picturata 'Argentea' is a tropical houseplant most often attacked by spider mites, which exploit the dry air common in most homes. Its silvery leaves make stippling damage easy to see. Mealybugs cluster at stem bases, and fungus gnats can establish in moist soil. Prevention centres on keeping humidity consistently high.
How do I get rid of spider mites on calathea picturata 'argentea'?
Fine pale speckling across silver leaf surfaces; webbing under leaves; leaf edges may brown and curl Increase humidity significantly, mist or shower leaves, spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days for 3 weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on calathea picturata 'argentea'?
Fluffy white wax at stem joints and leaf axils; leaves yellow and lose vigour Dab with alcohol on a cotton swab; follow up with a neem oil spray; repeat every 7 days until clear
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on calathea picturata 'argentea'?
Root damage from larvae; adults visible at soil surface and on surrounding surfaces Reduce watering frequency; use sticky yellow traps; treat soil with Bti drench