Pest identification
What's eating my calathea binotii?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves develop pale, stippled speckling and curl at edges
Control: Raise humidity above 50%, mist foliage, wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray weekly until clear
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters in leaf axils and stem joints; sticky honeydew residue on leaves
Control: Dab individual bugs with a rubbing-alcohol-soaked cotton swab; follow up with diluted neem oil spray every 7–10 days
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae chew fine roots; adults are small dark flies hovering around soil
Control: Let the top inch of soil dry between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench or use yellow sticky traps to break the adult cycle
Keep calathea binotii pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Calathea Binotii pests — FAQ
What is eating my calathea binotii?
Calathea Binotii is most threatened by spider mites, which thrive in the dry indoor air this tropical dislikes. Mealybugs and fungus gnats also strike regularly. Boost humidity, avoid overwatering, and inspect leaf undersides weekly — catching infestations early is the single most effective defence.
How do I get rid of spider mites on calathea binotii?
Fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves develop pale, stippled speckling and curl at edges Raise humidity above 50%, mist foliage, wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray weekly until clear
How do I get rid of mealybugs on calathea binotii?
White cottony clusters in leaf axils and stem joints; sticky honeydew residue on leaves Dab individual bugs with a rubbing-alcohol-soaked cotton swab; follow up with diluted neem oil spray every 7–10 days
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on calathea binotii?
Larvae chew fine roots; adults are small dark flies hovering around soil Let the top inch of soil dry between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench or use yellow sticky traps to break the adult cycle