---
title: "Spider mites on my Calathea AGAIN! 😭😭😭. Has anyone used alcohol…"
description: "Spider mites on my Calathea AGAIN! 😭😭😭. Has anyone used alcohol spray on the underside of the leaves to kill the mites? Does that work?"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/MHDCEEvjSYaZAT8jdVgR2w/mChsdGCNi3YrMMPWqYKLdT"
community: "Prayer Plant Allies"
author: "Amy"
published: "2026-02-17T07:50:18.406351Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/qmmkj37kyvwpn6386bzp.jpg"
---

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# Spider mites on my Calathea AGAIN! 😭😭😭. Has anyone used alcohol…

_Posted by Amy on 2026-02-17_

Spider mites on my Calathea AGAIN! 😭😭😭. Has anyone used alcohol spray on the underside of the leaves to kill the mites? Does that work?

## 8 comments

### Madison commented on 2026-02-17

I used insecticidal soap (specifically captain jacks insecticidal super soap if you need recs) 1x/week for 3 weeks and that took care of them! I’ve seen people use straight rubbing alcohol but my concern is that would be really harsh on the leaves, maybe that’s just me though.

#### Amy replied on 2026-02-18

I appreciate the recs. It’s such a battle with spider mites!

#### Madison replied on 2026-02-18

You’re welcome- it really is!

#### Rhus replied on 2026-03-14

Seconding this, but I use plain castile liquid soap in a spray bottle with water. I put the plant in the shower, drench the leaves from all angles (you can plastic wrap the pot to keep the soap out of the potting media if you want), wait a few minutes, and then rinse it with fresh water.

### Springvision commented on 2026-03-07

The recommendation with straight alcohol is just don't put it under a grow light or in direct light until the leaves are completely dry. Then no harm will occur. It gets rid of those mites!

#### Amy replied on 2026-03-07

What % do you use? Do you wipe the leaves or spray on ?

### Mick commented on 2026-03-13

Predatory mites and nematodes

#### Amy replied on 2026-03-14

Where do you get them from?

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