Pest identification
What's eating my calathea 'flamestar'?
Spider mites
Signs: Bronze or pale yellow speckling diminishes the flame-pattern markings; fine webbing present
Control: Mist frequently; wipe leaf undersides with a damp cloth; use neem oil or insecticidal soap spray weekly
Thrips
Signs: Silver-brown streaks on leaf surface; distorted new growth; tiny insects visible under magnification
Control: Remove badly damaged leaves; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap; sticky traps for monitoring
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white deposits at petiole bases and stem junctions; honeydew and slow wilting
Control: Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray; isolate from other plants
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae eat fine feeder roots; adults hover above compost
Control: Allow surface soil to dry between waterings; use Bti drench and yellow sticky traps
Keep calathea 'flamestar' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats calathea veitchiana — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What eats calathea 'flamestar' — our other guide for the same plant
- PictureThis alternatives — 7 plant ID apps compared
- Common calathea 'flamestar' problems & fixes
- Calathea 'Flamestar' watering schedule
- Calathea 'Flamestar' light requirements
- Full calathea 'flamestar' care guide
Calathea 'Flamestar' pests — FAQ
What is eating my calathea 'flamestar'?
Calathea 'Flamestar' is prized for its vivid leaf markings, which spider mites quickly dull with stippling damage. Thrips and mealybugs are secondary risks. Fungus gnats breed in the moist, well-draining mix this plant needs. Regular misting, humidity above 60%, and monthly leaf inspections will catch problems early.
How do I get rid of spider mites on calathea 'flamestar'?
Bronze or pale yellow speckling diminishes the flame-pattern markings; fine webbing present Mist frequently; wipe leaf undersides with a damp cloth; use neem oil or insecticidal soap spray weekly
How do I get rid of thrips on calathea 'flamestar'?
Silver-brown streaks on leaf surface; distorted new growth; tiny insects visible under magnification Remove badly damaged leaves; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap; sticky traps for monitoring
How do I get rid of mealybugs on calathea 'flamestar'?
Fluffy white deposits at petiole bases and stem junctions; honeydew and slow wilting Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray; isolate from other plants
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on calathea 'flamestar'?
Larvae eat fine feeder roots; adults hover above compost Allow surface soil to dry between waterings; use Bti drench and yellow sticky traps