Pest identification
What's eating my calathea freddie?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling and loss of lustre on leaf stripes; fine webbing on undersides
Control: Increase ambient humidity; shower plant monthly; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days
Thrips
Signs: Silver or tan scarring on upper leaf surface; small dark faecal specks; distorted new leaves
Control: Remove badly affected leaves; spray with insecticidal soap or spinosad; use blue sticky traps; repeat weekly
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white masses at leaf bases and petioles; yellowing and wilting
Control: Swab with alcohol; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; repeat after 7–10 days
Fungus gnats
Signs: Root damage from larvae weakens plant; adult gnats disrupt surrounding environment
Control: Let soil surface dry between waterings; apply Bti drench; use yellow sticky traps
Keep calathea freddie pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Calathea Freddie pests — FAQ
What is eating my calathea freddie?
Calathea Freddie is a magnet for spider mites in low-humidity rooms — the fine striped leaves show damage quickly. Thrips and mealybugs are secondary threats. Fungus gnats colonise soggy potting mix. Keeping humidity at 55–70% and watering on a consistent schedule removes most risk factors.
How do I get rid of spider mites on calathea freddie?
Pale stippling and loss of lustre on leaf stripes; fine webbing on undersides Increase ambient humidity; shower plant monthly; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of thrips on calathea freddie?
Silver or tan scarring on upper leaf surface; small dark faecal specks; distorted new leaves Remove badly affected leaves; spray with insecticidal soap or spinosad; use blue sticky traps; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of mealybugs on calathea freddie?
Cottony white masses at leaf bases and petioles; yellowing and wilting Swab with alcohol; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; repeat after 7–10 days
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on calathea freddie?
Root damage from larvae weakens plant; adult gnats disrupt surrounding environment Let soil surface dry between waterings; apply Bti drench; use yellow sticky traps