What's eating my calathea dottie?

Calathea Dottie (Goeppertia roseopicta 'Dottie') is highly susceptible to spider mites, which explode in the low humidity of heated or air-conditioned rooms — the opposite of the humid conditions it needs. Mealybugs colonise the crown and leaf sheaths. Fungus gnats are common when soil stays too wet. Maintaining 60%+ humidity is both a care requirement and the best pest deterrent.

Fine pale stippling across the dark leaves; pink/rose variegation dulls; webbing under leaves in severe cases; rapid leaf decline Increase humidity urgently (humidifier or pebble tray), rinse leaves, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days for 4 cycles

White waxy deposits in the crown, inside tightly-rolled new leaves, and along leaf sheaths; stunted new growth Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to reach deep into the crown; follow with weekly neem oil spray; check for root mealybugs

Adult gnats hovering at soil level; larvae in wet soil eat fine roots causing yellowing and wilting Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply Bti soil drench to kill larvae