Pest identification
What's eating my calathea roseopicta 'princess jessie'?
Spider mites
Signs: Silver or bronze stippling on the upper leaf surface; webbing in severe cases; edges curl and brown
Control: Increase humidity, wipe leaves, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days; repeat for at least 3 cycles
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluff in stem joints and leaf axils; honeydew attracts sooty mould
Control: Dab with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; follow with neem oil; repeat weekly until no new signs appear
Thrips
Signs: Silvery streaks and tiny dark frass on new leaves; distorted unfurling leaves
Control: Remove affected leaves, spray with insecticidal soap or spinosad-based product; repeat every 5 days for 3 treatments
Keep calathea roseopicta 'princess jessie' 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 'princess jessie' problems & fixes
- Calathea Roseopicta 'Princess Jessie' watering schedule
- Calathea Roseopicta 'Princess Jessie' light requirements
- Full calathea roseopicta 'princess jessie' care guide
Calathea Roseopicta 'Princess Jessie' pests — FAQ
What is eating my calathea roseopicta 'princess jessie'?
Calathea Roseopicta 'Princess Jessie' shares the typical calathea indoor pest profile. Spider mites are the most frequent threat, especially in centrally heated homes with low humidity. Mealybugs and occasional thrips also target new growth. Checking the undersides of its richly coloured leaves weekly catches pests before damage becomes severe.
How do I get rid of spider mites on calathea roseopicta 'princess jessie'?
Silver or bronze stippling on the upper leaf surface; webbing in severe cases; edges curl and brown Increase humidity, wipe leaves, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days; repeat for at least 3 cycles
How do I get rid of mealybugs on calathea roseopicta 'princess jessie'?
White fluff in stem joints and leaf axils; honeydew attracts sooty mould Dab with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; follow with neem oil; repeat weekly until no new signs appear
How do I get rid of thrips on calathea roseopicta 'princess jessie'?
Silvery streaks and tiny dark frass on new leaves; distorted unfurling leaves Remove affected leaves, spray with insecticidal soap or spinosad-based product; repeat every 5 days for 3 treatments