Growli

Pest identification

What's eating my calathea majestica sanderiana?

Spider mites

Signs: Silvery or bronze stippling on the upper leaf surface disrupting the white stripe pattern; webbing underneath; leaf tip browning

Control: Shower the plant, increase humidity, and spray insecticidal soap or neem oil to all leaf surfaces every 5–7 days for 3–4 weeks

Mealybugs

Signs: White cottony masses at leaf axils and petiole bases; sticky honeydew and slowed, distorted new growth

Control: Remove with alcohol-dipped swabs per infestation site, then apply diluted neem oil spray; repeat weekly until the plant is clear

Thrips

Signs: Silvery-white scarring and streaking on new leaves; unfurling leaves appear distorted; dark specks of frass on undersides

Control: Remove and dispose of badly damaged leaves, spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap weekly, and use blue sticky traps to monitor

Keep calathea majestica sanderiana pest-free

Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:

Calathea Majestica Sanderiana pests — FAQ

What is eating my calathea majestica sanderiana?

Goeppertia majestica 'Sanderiana', with its striking white-striped leaves, is most commonly attacked by spider mites, which cause visible silvery stippling on the decorative foliage. Mealybugs and thrips are secondary threats. Maintain humidity above 60%, wipe leaves weekly, and use neem oil at the first sign of pest activity to protect this dramatic cultivar.

How do I get rid of spider mites on calathea majestica sanderiana?

Silvery or bronze stippling on the upper leaf surface disrupting the white stripe pattern; webbing underneath; leaf tip browning Shower the plant, increase humidity, and spray insecticidal soap or neem oil to all leaf surfaces every 5–7 days for 3–4 weeks

How do I get rid of mealybugs on calathea majestica sanderiana?

White cottony masses at leaf axils and petiole bases; sticky honeydew and slowed, distorted new growth Remove with alcohol-dipped swabs per infestation site, then apply diluted neem oil spray; repeat weekly until the plant is clear

How do I get rid of thrips on calathea majestica sanderiana?

Silvery-white scarring and streaking on new leaves; unfurling leaves appear distorted; dark specks of frass on undersides Remove and dispose of badly damaged leaves, spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap weekly, and use blue sticky traps to monitor