What's eating my calathea louisae?

Calathea Louisae is most often attacked by spider mites, which proliferate in the dry air that this humidity-loving tropical cannot tolerate. Mealybugs settle into leaf folds, and scale clusters on stems. Maintaining humidity at 55–65% and wiping leaves monthly is enough to keep most indoor pests at bay.

Pale stippling and fine silk webbing on leaf undersides; leaves lose colour and develop brown edges Increase humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray; hose down foliage; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days for 3–4 weeks

White waxy wool where leaves meet stems; honeydew drips; new leaves emerge distorted Dab alcohol on a cotton bud and apply directly to colonies; follow up with a neem oil spray; quarantine immediately

Small brown or tan shells fixed on stems; sticky honeydew; overall plant vigour declines Scrape off manually; treat with horticultural oil; repeat applications every 10–14 days until no new scales appear