Pest identification
What's eating my calathea crotalifera?
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, pale or bronzed leaf surfaces with fine webbing; leaves may curl and dry at the edges
Control: Rinse foliage thoroughly; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray weekly until infestation resolves
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white masses in leaf sheaths and stem junctions; sticky honeydew and sooty mold may follow
Control: Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; follow up with systemic neem oil drenches
Aphids
Signs: Soft-bodied insects clustered on new growth and bracts; leaves curl and distort; honeydew residue
Control: Blast off with water; apply insecticidal soap spray; in outdoor settings encourage ladybirds and lacewings
Keep calathea crotalifera pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Calathea Crotalifera pests — FAQ
What is eating my calathea crotalifera?
Calathea Crotalifera (rattlesnake plant) is a larger tropical species and in outdoor or greenhouse settings it can attract aphids and mealybugs as well as indoor spider mites. Its broad leaves collect dust and pests easily. Regular inspection, good airflow, and humidity management are the cornerstones of prevention.
How do I get rid of spider mites on calathea crotalifera?
Stippled, pale or bronzed leaf surfaces with fine webbing; leaves may curl and dry at the edges Rinse foliage thoroughly; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray weekly until infestation resolves
How do I get rid of mealybugs on calathea crotalifera?
Cottony white masses in leaf sheaths and stem junctions; sticky honeydew and sooty mold may follow Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; follow up with systemic neem oil drenches
How do I get rid of aphids on calathea crotalifera?
Soft-bodied insects clustered on new growth and bracts; leaves curl and distort; honeydew residue Blast off with water; apply insecticidal soap spray; in outdoor settings encourage ladybirds and lacewings