Pest identification
What's eating my calathea exotica?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale bronze or silver stippling that destroys the decorative leaf pattern; webbing on undersides; leaf curl
Control: Increase humidity immediately; shower the plant; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days for 4 rounds
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy clusters in leaf axils and along stems; yellowing leaves and sticky honeydew residue
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on cotton swab; follow with a neem oil spray every 10 days
Thrips
Signs: Silver streaks and scarring on the ornamental leaf surface; tiny droppings visible on undersides
Control: Remove damaged leaves; spray with insecticidal soap or spinosad solution; isolate plant from the collection
Keep calathea exotica pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Calathea Exotica pests — FAQ
What is eating my calathea exotica?
Calathea Exotica (Goeppertia roseopicta 'Exotica') is highly ornamental and particularly sensitive to spider mites, which dull its striking pink-and-green foliage quickly. Mealybugs are also common. This cultivar dislikes stress, so tackle pests promptly and maintain 60–70% humidity to prevent conditions that invite infestation.
How do I get rid of spider mites on calathea exotica?
Pale bronze or silver stippling that destroys the decorative leaf pattern; webbing on undersides; leaf curl Increase humidity immediately; shower the plant; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days for 4 rounds
How do I get rid of mealybugs on calathea exotica?
White fluffy clusters in leaf axils and along stems; yellowing leaves and sticky honeydew residue Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on cotton swab; follow with a neem oil spray every 10 days
How do I get rid of thrips on calathea exotica?
Silver streaks and scarring on the ornamental leaf surface; tiny droppings visible on undersides Remove damaged leaves; spray with insecticidal soap or spinosad solution; isolate plant from the collection