What's eating my calathea cylindrica?

Calathea Cylindrica is most commonly affected by spider mites, which colonise the undersides of its large, pale-green leaves when indoor humidity is low. Mealybugs settle into leaf folds, and scale appears on petioles. Regular high humidity — ideally 60% — and monthly leaf wipe-downs with a damp cloth prevent most infestations.

Tiny pale specks and webbing on leaf undersides; leaves turn yellowish-green and edges dry out Increase humidity; rinse plant in the shower; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days for at least 3 rounds to break the life cycle

White waxy cottony patches in leaf axils and near the crown; sticky leaves; sluggish new growth Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs; apply insecticidal soap spray to all surfaces; quarantine the plant and recheck every 7 days

Immobile brown bumps on stems and petioles; sooty mould on honeydew deposits; general decline Manually remove with a soft toothbrush; follow with neem oil treatment; repeat every 10–14 days until clear