Pest identification
What's eating my calathea stromanthifolia?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine speckling across leaf tops; thin webbing on undersides; plant looks dull and faded
Control: Increase humidity immediately; shower the plant; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 7 days for 3–4 weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy clusters in leaf axils; yellowing of affected leaves; sticky honeydew residue
Control: Dab with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; treat the whole plant with diluted neem oil every 10 days
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae feed on roots and organic matter in moist soil; wilting and yellowing despite adequate watering
Control: Allow top 1–2 cm of soil to dry; use sticky yellow traps; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis drench
Keep calathea stromanthifolia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Calathea Stromanthifolia pests — FAQ
What is eating my calathea stromanthifolia?
Calathea Stromanthifolia is a sensitive houseplant most troubled by spider mites when humidity drops. Mealybugs are also a consistent threat, nesting in the leaf axils. Fungus gnats can colonize the consistently moist soil this plant needs. Keeping humidity at 60–70% dramatically reduces pest pressure.
How do I get rid of spider mites on calathea stromanthifolia?
Fine speckling across leaf tops; thin webbing on undersides; plant looks dull and faded Increase humidity immediately; shower the plant; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 7 days for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on calathea stromanthifolia?
White waxy clusters in leaf axils; yellowing of affected leaves; sticky honeydew residue Dab with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; treat the whole plant with diluted neem oil every 10 days
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on calathea stromanthifolia?
Larvae feed on roots and organic matter in moist soil; wilting and yellowing despite adequate watering Allow top 1–2 cm of soil to dry; use sticky yellow traps; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis drench