What's eating my calathea undulata 'wavestar'?

Calathea 'Wavestar' is a humidity-loving houseplant most troubled by spider mites when the air dries out. Mealybugs and thrips are secondary concerns. Its delicate, undulating leaves show damage early — pale streaks and silvery patches are tell-tale signs to catch and treat fast.

Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; affected leaves curl and lose their deep green colour. Increase room humidity above 50%. Wipe leaves regularly; apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil spray every 5–7 days for 3 cycles.

Fluffy white deposits in leaf joints and along the midrib; plant growth slows and leaves yellow. Remove by hand with alcohol-tipped swabs. Follow with a systemic neem oil drench or spray program every 7–10 days.

Silver or bronze streaking on upper leaf surface; tiny black frass dots visible under magnification. Isolate the plant. Spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap; yellow sticky traps help monitor adult numbers. Repeat weekly for 4 weeks.