Growli

Pest identification

What's eating my calathea roseopicta 'cynthia'?

Spider mites

Signs: Pale flecking across the leaf surface; webbing under leaves in heavy infestations; colour fades

Control: Shower the plant weekly, keep humidity above 50%, spray neem oil or insecticidal soap on all leaf surfaces every 5–7 days

Mealybugs

Signs: Waxy white clusters along stems and in leaf folds; sticky deposits on foliage

Control: Remove with alcohol-dipped swab, apply neem oil spray, check neighbouring plants and isolate if necessary

Fungus gnats

Signs: Adult flies near the soil surface; larval feeding weakens roots and causes wilting

Control: Allow soil surface to dry between waterings; apply Bti soil drench; use sticky yellow traps to monitor adults

Keep calathea roseopicta 'cynthia' pest-free

Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:

Calathea Roseopicta 'Cynthia' pests — FAQ

What is eating my calathea roseopicta 'cynthia'?

Calathea Roseopicta 'Cynthia' is susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs like other roseopicta cultivars. Its deep green and pink leaves show spider mite stippling quite readily. Fungus gnats can be a nuisance in damp potting mix. High ambient humidity and good air circulation are the best long-term defences.

How do I get rid of spider mites on calathea roseopicta 'cynthia'?

Pale flecking across the leaf surface; webbing under leaves in heavy infestations; colour fades Shower the plant weekly, keep humidity above 50%, spray neem oil or insecticidal soap on all leaf surfaces every 5–7 days

How do I get rid of mealybugs on calathea roseopicta 'cynthia'?

Waxy white clusters along stems and in leaf folds; sticky deposits on foliage Remove with alcohol-dipped swab, apply neem oil spray, check neighbouring plants and isolate if necessary

How do I get rid of fungus gnats on calathea roseopicta 'cynthia'?

Adult flies near the soil surface; larval feeding weakens roots and causes wilting Allow soil surface to dry between waterings; apply Bti soil drench; use sticky yellow traps to monitor adults