What's eating my calathea ecuatoriana?

Calathea Ecuatoriana, a rare Ecuadorian species, faces the same indoor pest pressures as other calatheas. Spider mites are the primary threat in low-humidity homes, while mealybugs exploit crowded leaf axils. Keep humidity high, wipe leaves regularly, and inspect new growth weekly to catch infestations before they spread.

Tiny pale speckles on upper leaf surface, fine webbing beneath leaves, and eventual leaf browning and drop Shower the plant to dislodge mites, increase ambient humidity, then treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days for a month

Fluffy white wax clusters at leaf joints and along petioles; sticky residue and yellowing foliage Remove by hand with alcohol swabs, then apply neem oil drench to soil and foliage; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks

Larvae damage fine roots in moist soil, causing wilting and poor growth; adults are a nuisance near the plant Allow soil surface to dry between waterings, use yellow sticky traps for adults, and drench soil with Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) to kill larvae