Growli

Pest identification

What's eating my calathea rufibarba blue grass?

Spider mites

Signs: Pale yellow stippling on leaf surfaces; fine webbing accumulates in the hair-like leaf texture

Control: Gently shower the plant to dislodge mites; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; maintain humidity above 55%

Mealybugs

Signs: White waxy clusters hidden in the fuzzy leaf undersides and stem joints; plant weakens gradually

Control: Use a soft alcohol-dampened brush to remove bugs; treat with neem oil spray weekly for three to four weeks

Scale insects

Signs: Flat brown or tan bumps on stems; yellowing leaves and sticky honeydew deposits

Control: Scrape off scale manually; apply horticultural oil or isopropyl alcohol wipe to stems; repeat fortnightly

Keep calathea rufibarba blue grass pest-free

Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:

Calathea Rufibarba Blue Grass pests — FAQ

What is eating my calathea rufibarba blue grass?

Calathea Rufibarba 'Blue Grass' has furry, textured leaves that can conceal spider mites and mealybugs until populations are large. Spider mites are the primary threat in dry indoor conditions. Maintaining high humidity and wiping leaves gently but regularly will keep most infestations from taking hold.

How do I get rid of spider mites on calathea rufibarba blue grass?

Pale yellow stippling on leaf surfaces; fine webbing accumulates in the hair-like leaf texture Gently shower the plant to dislodge mites; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; maintain humidity above 55%

How do I get rid of mealybugs on calathea rufibarba blue grass?

White waxy clusters hidden in the fuzzy leaf undersides and stem joints; plant weakens gradually Use a soft alcohol-dampened brush to remove bugs; treat with neem oil spray weekly for three to four weeks

How do I get rid of scale insects on calathea rufibarba blue grass?

Flat brown or tan bumps on stems; yellowing leaves and sticky honeydew deposits Scrape off scale manually; apply horticultural oil or isopropyl alcohol wipe to stems; repeat fortnightly