Pest identification
What's eating my calathea sanderiana?
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny pale dots on leaf surfaces coalesce into bronzed patches; webbing appears on undersides in heavy infestations.
Control: Maintain high humidity (60%+). Shower the plant in lukewarm water to knock mites off; follow with insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days.
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses at leaf bases and sheaths; plant weakens, leaves yellow, honeydew drips.
Control: Swab colonies with isopropyl alcohol. Spray all leaf surfaces and crevices with neem oil solution weekly until clear.
Scale insects
Signs: Hard brown or soft waxy bumps on petioles and mid-veins; yellowing and leaf drop if untreated.
Control: Physically remove with a soft brush, then apply horticultural oil. Repeat applications at 2-week intervals for 2 months.
Keep calathea sanderiana pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Calathea Sanderiana pests — FAQ
What is eating my calathea sanderiana?
Calathea Sanderiana (Pin-stripe Calathea) is an indoor tropical whose glossy, dark leaves attract spider mites in dry conditions and mealybugs at any time. Its dense rosette of closely spaced leaves creates ideal hiding spots for pests, so regular close inspection of leaf bases is important.
How do I get rid of spider mites on calathea sanderiana?
Tiny pale dots on leaf surfaces coalesce into bronzed patches; webbing appears on undersides in heavy infestations. Maintain high humidity (60%+). Shower the plant in lukewarm water to knock mites off; follow with insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on calathea sanderiana?
White cottony masses at leaf bases and sheaths; plant weakens, leaves yellow, honeydew drips. Swab colonies with isopropyl alcohol. Spray all leaf surfaces and crevices with neem oil solution weekly until clear.
How do I get rid of scale insects on calathea sanderiana?
Hard brown or soft waxy bumps on petioles and mid-veins; yellowing and leaf drop if untreated. Physically remove with a soft brush, then apply horticultural oil. Repeat applications at 2-week intervals for 2 months.