What's eating my goeppertia flamestar?

Goeppertia 'Flamestar' (a Calathea/Goeppertia cultivar) is an indoor tropical susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs when conditions are too dry. Fungus gnats can colonise the consistently moist soil this plant prefers. The boldly patterned leaves are a useful diagnostic surface — check them often for early signs.

Pale yellow stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; the vivid leaf markings look faded and dusty. Boost humidity, wipe leaves weekly, and spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil every 5–7 days until clear.

Cottony white clusters at stem bases and leaf axils; sticky residue and potential sooty mould growth. Treat spots with a 70% isopropyl alcohol swab, then apply neem oil spray as a follow-up. Repeat every 10 days.

Adult gnats are a nuisance; larvae in the soil nibble fine roots, causing wilting and slow growth. Allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry between waterings. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) drench or use yellow sticky traps to catch adults.