Pest identification
What's eating my network calathea (calathea musaica)?
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, dull foliage and webbing on leaf undersides; the fine mosaic pattern becomes obscured
Control: Raise humidity, wipe leaves regularly, spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil every 5–7 days
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white clusters at leaf joints and in sheaths; sticky honeydew fosters sooty mould
Control: Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swab; apply neem oil drench; isolate the plant during treatment
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae feed on fine roots; adults hover around the soil surface
Control: Allow topsoil to dry slightly, apply Bti drench, place yellow sticky cards to monitor adult populations
Keep network calathea (calathea musaica) pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Network Calathea (Calathea Musaica) pests — FAQ
What is eating my network calathea (calathea musaica)?
Network Calathea is a houseplant susceptible mainly to spider mites in dry conditions and mealybugs in its leaf sheaths. Fungus gnats are also common given its moisture needs. Its intricate mosaic foliage makes early pest detection harder, so inspect undersides closely at every watering.
How do I get rid of spider mites on network calathea (calathea musaica)?
Stippled, dull foliage and webbing on leaf undersides; the fine mosaic pattern becomes obscured Raise humidity, wipe leaves regularly, spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of mealybugs on network calathea (calathea musaica)?
Cottony white clusters at leaf joints and in sheaths; sticky honeydew fosters sooty mould Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swab; apply neem oil drench; isolate the plant during treatment
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on network calathea (calathea musaica)?
Larvae feed on fine roots; adults hover around the soil surface Allow topsoil to dry slightly, apply Bti drench, place yellow sticky cards to monitor adult populations