Pest identification
What's eating my calathea undulata?
Spider mites
Signs: Small pale spots across leaf surfaces; delicate webbing on undersides; leaf undulations may trap webbing and eggs
Control: Shower plant and wipe leaf surfaces gently; maintain humidity above 55%; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy deposits tucked into the wavy leaf folds and stem joints; sticky residue below
Control: Carefully work alcohol swabs into folds to remove bugs; treat with diluted neem oil spray fortnightly
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae feed on roots in waterlogged soil; adults are visible as tiny dark flies near the pot
Control: Reduce watering; apply Bti drench; allow topsoil to dry before next watering cycle
Keep calathea undulata pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Calathea Undulata pests — FAQ
What is eating my calathea undulata?
Calathea Undulata is vulnerable to spider mites and mealybugs, as with most calatheas kept indoors. Its undulating leaf edges can trap dust and pests, so regular gentle wiping is especially important. Fungus gnats appear with overwatering. High humidity remains the best first-line deterrent.
How do I get rid of spider mites on calathea undulata?
Small pale spots across leaf surfaces; delicate webbing on undersides; leaf undulations may trap webbing and eggs Shower plant and wipe leaf surfaces gently; maintain humidity above 55%; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly
How do I get rid of mealybugs on calathea undulata?
White fluffy deposits tucked into the wavy leaf folds and stem joints; sticky residue below Carefully work alcohol swabs into folds to remove bugs; treat with diluted neem oil spray fortnightly
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on calathea undulata?
Larvae feed on roots in waterlogged soil; adults are visible as tiny dark flies near the pot Reduce watering; apply Bti drench; allow topsoil to dry before next watering cycle