What's eating my calathea medallion?

Calathea Medallion's broad, patterned leaves are a prime target for spider mites in low-humidity homes. Mealybugs lurk in the leaf folds and crown, while fungus gnats exploit consistently moist soil. Maintaining humidity above 50% and avoiding overwatering are the best preventive defenses.

Pale stippling across the leaf surface, webbing on undersides; severe infestations cause leaves to yellow and curl. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth, then spray thoroughly with neem oil or insecticidal soap, covering undersides; repeat weekly.

White waxy fluff in leaf axils and along the underside midrib; leaves become sticky and growth stalls. Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs; treat the whole plant with diluted neem oil to catch hidden crawlers.

Adult gnats are a nuisance; larvae damage shallow roots, leading to yellowing lower leaves and stunted growth. Let the top layer of soil dry out; use sticky yellow traps and Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) soil drench.