What's eating my calathea yellow fusion?

Goeppertia lietzei 'Yellow Fusion' is a delicate Calathea whose creamy-yellow variegation fades dramatically when spider mites attack. Thrips and mealybugs are secondary threats. Because variegated tissue is already stressed, infestations can cause irreversible leaf damage faster than on all-green plants — early detection and high humidity are essential.

Pale stippling especially visible on light variegated portions; webbing under leaves; premature leaf drop Increase humidity to 65%+, shower leaves regularly, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5 days for 3–4 rounds

Silver-grey streaks along leaf surfaces; deformed unfurling leaves; tiny black frass Remove badly damaged leaves, spray spinosad or pyrethrin-based insecticide, use blue sticky traps to catch adults

White fluff at stem bases and inside new leaf scrolls; sticky residue; stunted growth Treat with alcohol-dipped swab, follow with repeated neem oil applications on a 7–10 day schedule