What's eating my calathea burle-marxii?

Calathea Burle-Marxii is most commonly attacked by spider mites, which thrive in the dry indoor air this humidity-loving plant dislikes. Mealybugs and scale insects also target it. Boost humidity, inspect leaf undersides regularly, and treat infestations early with neem oil or insecticidal soap to keep foliage pristine.

Fine webbing on leaf undersides; pale stippled or silvery upper leaf surface; leaves curl and crisp at edges Raise humidity above 60%, mist leaves, isolate the plant, then spray thoroughly with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil weekly for 3–4 weeks

White cottony clusters in leaf axils and along midribs; sticky honeydew residue; stunted new growth Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol, then follow up with neem oil spray; repeat weekly until clear

Brown or tan waxy bumps along stems and leaf undersides; yellowing leaves; sticky honeydew and sooty mould Scrape off scales with a soft toothbrush, wipe with alcohol-dampened cloth, and apply horticultural oil; repeat after 2 weeks