Pest identification
What's eating my calathea bacillaris?
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, pale upper leaf surfaces with fine silk webbing on undersides; leaves may yellow and drop
Control: Shower plant weekly; boost humidity; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray at 5–7 day intervals until resolved
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white waxy residue in stem axils; honeydew secretions may appear on lower leaves
Control: Remove manually with alcohol-tipped swabs; spray whole plant with diluted neem oil; repeat weekly for a month
Fungus gnats
Signs: Root damage from larvae; adults are nuisance flies hovering around the pot soil
Control: Allow top inch of soil to dry; use Bti biological drench; sticky yellow traps catch adult flies
Keep calathea bacillaris pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Calathea Bacillaris pests — FAQ
What is eating my calathea bacillaris?
Calathea Bacillaris is an indoor tropical calathea susceptible to the usual suite of humid-environment pests — spider mites are the most common, followed by mealybugs and fungus gnats. High humidity, good airflow, and regular leaf inspection are the most reliable preventative measures.
How do I get rid of spider mites on calathea bacillaris?
Stippled, pale upper leaf surfaces with fine silk webbing on undersides; leaves may yellow and drop Shower plant weekly; boost humidity; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray at 5–7 day intervals until resolved
How do I get rid of mealybugs on calathea bacillaris?
Fluffy white waxy residue in stem axils; honeydew secretions may appear on lower leaves Remove manually with alcohol-tipped swabs; spray whole plant with diluted neem oil; repeat weekly for a month
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on calathea bacillaris?
Root damage from larvae; adults are nuisance flies hovering around the pot soil Allow top inch of soil to dry; use Bti biological drench; sticky yellow traps catch adult flies