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:
- What eats rose-painted calathea (dottie) — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common calathea roseopicta 'cynthia' problems & fixes
- Calathea Roseopicta 'Cynthia' watering schedule
- Calathea Roseopicta 'Cynthia' light requirements
- Full calathea roseopicta 'cynthia' care guide
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