Pest identification
What's eating my calathea louisae 'maui queen'?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling on leaf surfaces with webbing beneath; leaves may yellow and drop in severe infestations
Control: Increase humidity, rinse plant in a lukewarm shower, treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white residue at stem joints and the base of petioles; honeydew and weakened growth
Control: Apply alcohol with a cotton swab directly to colonies; spray neem oil solution; repeat every 7 days until resolved
Fungus gnats
Signs: Fine roots nibbled by larvae; adults fly near the soil; plant may wilt despite moist compost
Control: Allow soil surface to dry between waterings; use Bti drench; place yellow sticky traps near the pot
Keep calathea louisae 'maui queen' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats calathea louisae — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common calathea louisae 'maui queen' problems & fixes
- Calathea Louisae 'Maui Queen' watering schedule
- Calathea Louisae 'Maui Queen' light requirements
- Full calathea louisae 'maui queen' care guide
Calathea Louisae 'Maui Queen' pests — FAQ
What is eating my calathea louisae 'maui queen'?
Calathea Louisae 'Maui Queen' is a humidity-loving houseplant most frequently attacked by spider mites when grown in dry indoor conditions. Mealybugs are a common secondary pest, clustering in the leaf axils. Its striped green and cream leaves make early detection straightforward. Weekly inspection and high humidity keep most pests at bay.
How do I get rid of spider mites on calathea louisae 'maui queen'?
Pale stippling on leaf surfaces with webbing beneath; leaves may yellow and drop in severe infestations Increase humidity, rinse plant in a lukewarm shower, treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of mealybugs on calathea louisae 'maui queen'?
Cottony white residue at stem joints and the base of petioles; honeydew and weakened growth Apply alcohol with a cotton swab directly to colonies; spray neem oil solution; repeat every 7 days until resolved
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on calathea louisae 'maui queen'?
Fine roots nibbled by larvae; adults fly near the soil; plant may wilt despite moist compost Allow soil surface to dry between waterings; use Bti drench; place yellow sticky traps near the pot