What's eating my calathea lietzei?

Calathea Lietzei shares the family susceptibility to spider mites — the number-one threat to all Goeppertia in dry indoor environments. Mealybugs, fungus gnats, and occasionally thrips also trouble this species. The white-striped leaves show stippling and discolouration quickly, making early detection straightforward if you inspect undersides regularly.

Fine webbing under leaves; pale, washed-out stippling that dulls the white leaf stripes; premature leaf drop Boost humidity; rinse foliage with lukewarm water in the shower; apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil weekly for a month

Fluffy white masses in leaf axils; sticky honeydew; slow, distorted new growth Remove with alcohol swabs; spray plant thoroughly with neem oil solution; isolate from other houseplants and monitor weekly

Silvery rasped streaks on upper leaf surface; tiny black frass specks; curled or scarred new leaves Remove affected leaves; apply spinosad or neem oil spray; hang blue sticky traps nearby to catch adults

Larvae chew roots causing wilting and yellowing; adults fly near the soil surface Allow top soil to dry between waterings; use Bti drench; set yellow sticky traps to reduce adult populations