Pest identification
What's eating my calathea picturata 'vandenheckei'?
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippled patches on leaf surfaces; webbing in severe cases; overall loss of leaf lustre
Control: Raise humidity above 50%, rinse leaves in a warm shower, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly for 3 weeks
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white masses in leaf axils and along the mid-rib; sticky honeydew residue
Control: Remove with alcohol-soaked swab, follow with neem oil spray, isolate and inspect weekly
Thrips
Signs: Silvery streaking and tiny black droppings on emerging leaves; deformed new growth
Control: Remove and dispose of badly affected leaves; spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap every 5 days for 3 treatments
Keep calathea picturata 'vandenheckei' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats calathea picturata — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common calathea picturata 'vandenheckei' problems & fixes
- Calathea Picturata 'Vandenheckei' watering schedule
- Calathea Picturata 'Vandenheckei' light requirements
- Full calathea picturata 'vandenheckei' care guide
Calathea Picturata 'Vandenheckei' pests — FAQ
What is eating my calathea picturata 'vandenheckei'?
Calathea Picturata 'Vandenheckei' faces the typical indoor calathea pest mix. Spider mites are the most serious risk, especially during dry winters. Mealybugs target new growth and stem joints. Its dark green and cream striped leaves show yellow discolouration and stippling clearly. Consistent high humidity greatly reduces infestation risk.
How do I get rid of spider mites on calathea picturata 'vandenheckei'?
Pale stippled patches on leaf surfaces; webbing in severe cases; overall loss of leaf lustre Raise humidity above 50%, rinse leaves in a warm shower, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly for 3 weeks
How do I get rid of mealybugs on calathea picturata 'vandenheckei'?
Cottony white masses in leaf axils and along the mid-rib; sticky honeydew residue Remove with alcohol-soaked swab, follow with neem oil spray, isolate and inspect weekly
How do I get rid of thrips on calathea picturata 'vandenheckei'?
Silvery streaking and tiny black droppings on emerging leaves; deformed new growth Remove and dispose of badly affected leaves; spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap every 5 days for 3 treatments