Pest identification
What's eating my calathea orbifolia silver?
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny pale dots across leaf surface with fine webbing underneath; silver banding fades and leaves may crisp at edges
Control: Shower plant thoroughly; mist regularly to maintain humidity; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly until infestation clears
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony residue in petiole bases and leaf axils; sticky honeydew attracts sooty mould
Control: Swab with isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil treatment; repeat every 10 days for a month
Fungus gnats
Signs: Root damage from larvae causes wilting; clouds of tiny dark flies around the pot
Control: Allow topsoil to dry between waterings; use Bti (e.g. Gnatrol) soil drench; yellow sticky traps catch adults
Keep calathea orbifolia silver pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats goeppertia orbifolia — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common calathea orbifolia silver problems & fixes
- Calathea Orbifolia Silver watering schedule
- Calathea Orbifolia Silver light requirements
- Full calathea orbifolia silver care guide
Calathea Orbifolia Silver pests — FAQ
What is eating my calathea orbifolia silver?
Calathea Orbifolia 'Silver' faces the same indoor pest trio as most calatheas — spider mites top the list, followed by mealybugs and fungus gnats. Its large, striking leaves show spider-mite stippling quickly. Keep humidity high and leaves clean, and inspect routinely.
How do I get rid of spider mites on calathea orbifolia silver?
Tiny pale dots across leaf surface with fine webbing underneath; silver banding fades and leaves may crisp at edges Shower plant thoroughly; mist regularly to maintain humidity; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly until infestation clears
How do I get rid of mealybugs on calathea orbifolia silver?
White cottony residue in petiole bases and leaf axils; sticky honeydew attracts sooty mould Swab with isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil treatment; repeat every 10 days for a month
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on calathea orbifolia silver?
Root damage from larvae causes wilting; clouds of tiny dark flies around the pot Allow topsoil to dry between waterings; use Bti (e.g. Gnatrol) soil drench; yellow sticky traps catch adults