Pest identification
What's eating my calathea fasciata (round-leaf calathea)?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale speckling and bronze discolouration across the round leaf surface; fine webbing on undersides
Control: Shower the plant, mist daily or use a pebble tray, spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days for 3 cycles
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy fluff at leaf joints and stem bases; sticky deposits and yellowing
Control: Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol, apply neem oil spray, repeat weekly; check nearby plants
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae damage fine roots in moist soil; adults are small dark flies hovering at soil level
Control: Let the top inch of potting mix dry before watering; apply Bti drench; use yellow sticky traps
Keep calathea fasciata (round-leaf calathea) pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Calathea Fasciata (Round-leaf Calathea) pests — FAQ
What is eating my calathea fasciata (round-leaf calathea)?
Calathea Fasciata (Round-leaf Calathea) is most commonly troubled by spider mites, which thrive when indoor humidity drops below 40%. Its broad, round leaves are also attractive to mealybugs and fungus gnats. Regular leaf-wiping, humidity above 50%, and careful watering practices prevent the majority of pest problems on this species.
How do I get rid of spider mites on calathea fasciata (round-leaf calathea)?
Pale speckling and bronze discolouration across the round leaf surface; fine webbing on undersides Shower the plant, mist daily or use a pebble tray, spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days for 3 cycles
How do I get rid of mealybugs on calathea fasciata (round-leaf calathea)?
White waxy fluff at leaf joints and stem bases; sticky deposits and yellowing Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol, apply neem oil spray, repeat weekly; check nearby plants
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on calathea fasciata (round-leaf calathea)?
Larvae damage fine roots in moist soil; adults are small dark flies hovering at soil level Let the top inch of potting mix dry before watering; apply Bti drench; use yellow sticky traps