What's eating my calathea 'vittata' stripe star?

Calathea 'Vittata' Stripe Star shares the typical indoor pest vulnerabilities of all Goeppertia. Spider mites are the most common attacker, especially in centrally heated homes through winter. Thrips can also disfigure the delicate white stripe pattern on the leaves, making early detection essential.

Fine stippling washes out the distinctive green-and-white stripes; webbing visible on leaf undersides in heavy cases. Run a humidifier nearby; mist foliage in the morning. Spray insecticidal soap or neem oil thoroughly on both leaf surfaces every 5–7 days.

Silver scarring and tiny black frass dots streak across the white-striped areas, distorting the pattern. Remove badly damaged leaves. Treat with spinosad or insecticidal soap spray; use blue sticky traps to monitor. Repeat weekly for 4–5 weeks.

Cottony white residue at leaf bases and sheaths; honeydew and sooty mould follow prolonged infestations. Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol swabs, then apply diluted neem oil spray across the whole plant weekly until eliminated.