What's eating my calathea?

Calatheas (Goeppertia spp.) are prime spider mite targets because they're often kept in warm, dry indoor air at odds with their tropical nature. Mealybugs hide in their dense, patterned foliage; fungus gnats follow overwatering. High humidity (above 60%) is the single most effective preventive measure for this genus.

Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; colourful leaf patterns fade to a dull bronzed look. Raise humidity to 60%+, shower the foliage, and spray insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly for a month. Isolate from other plants immediately.

White fluffy masses in leaf rolls, at the base of petioles, and in the crown; leaves yellow and curl. Treat with isopropyl alcohol swabs, follow with neem oil spray over all surfaces, and repeat at 7-day intervals.

Root-feeding larvae stunt growth; adult gnats hover persistently around the pot. Let soil surface dry slightly between waterings; apply Bti drench and sticky yellow traps to intercept adults.

Clusters on new growth causing distorted or stunted unfurling leaves and sticky residue. Remove by hand or with a water spray; apply insecticidal soap every 5–7 days until eliminated.