Pest identification
What's eating my network calathea?
Spider mites
Signs: Barely visible webbing and pale stippling that dulls the intricate leaf pattern; leaves become crispy at edges
Control: Mist leaves and boost humidity; rinse plant in the shower; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every week for a month
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses in tight leaf folds and axils; leaves yellow and become sticky
Control: Dab directly with isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil spray; quarantine plant away from others until clear
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adult gnats hovering over soil; larvae eat fine feeder roots, causing yellowing and poor growth
Control: Allow the top 2 inches of compost to dry; apply a Bti drench; top-dress with coarse sand or grit to deter egg-laying
Keep network calathea pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Network Calathea pests — FAQ
What is eating my network calathea?
Network Calathea's dense mosaic patterning can mask early pest damage, making spider mites, mealybugs, and scale easy to miss. Spider mites are the most common indoor pest, thriving when air is too dry. Fungus gnats breed in overly moist soil. Regular leaf inspections and consistent humidity management are the best defenses.
How do I get rid of spider mites on network calathea?
Barely visible webbing and pale stippling that dulls the intricate leaf pattern; leaves become crispy at edges Mist leaves and boost humidity; rinse plant in the shower; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every week for a month
How do I get rid of mealybugs on network calathea?
White cottony masses in tight leaf folds and axils; leaves yellow and become sticky Dab directly with isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil spray; quarantine plant away from others until clear
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on network calathea?
Adult gnats hovering over soil; larvae eat fine feeder roots, causing yellowing and poor growth Allow the top 2 inches of compost to dry; apply a Bti drench; top-dress with coarse sand or grit to deter egg-laying