Pest identification
What's eating my calathea propinqua?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippled patches on leaf surfaces; webbing on undersides; foliage loses vibrancy and crisps at margins
Control: Raise humidity; rinse foliage with lukewarm water; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits at petiole and stem junctions; leaves yellow; sticky honeydew residue
Control: Swab with rubbing alcohol; follow with neem oil spray plant-wide; isolate from nearby houseplants
Scale insects
Signs: Brown waxy bumps on stems; yellowing leaves and sooty mould on honeydew deposits
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; apply horticultural oil; repeat treatment every two weeks
Keep calathea propinqua pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Calathea Propinqua pests — FAQ
What is eating my calathea propinqua?
Calathea Propinqua, like other calatheas, is most at risk from spider mites in low-humidity indoor settings. Mealybugs and scale can establish on stems and petioles. Regular misting, humidity trays, and monthly visual checks keep this tropical prayer plant largely pest-free indoors.
How do I get rid of spider mites on calathea propinqua?
Pale stippled patches on leaf surfaces; webbing on undersides; foliage loses vibrancy and crisps at margins Raise humidity; rinse foliage with lukewarm water; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of mealybugs on calathea propinqua?
White cottony deposits at petiole and stem junctions; leaves yellow; sticky honeydew residue Swab with rubbing alcohol; follow with neem oil spray plant-wide; isolate from nearby houseplants
How do I get rid of scale insects on calathea propinqua?
Brown waxy bumps on stems; yellowing leaves and sooty mould on honeydew deposits Scrape off with a soft toothbrush; apply horticultural oil; repeat treatment every two weeks