My calathea is looking very sad…splotchy discoloration on many leafs, and some leaves are browning/drying up around the edges. I also just found these white flecks all over the back of the leaves. Pest? Context: It sits in a terracotta pot on a south facing window sill, and I water per the app’s suggested schedule.
Give her more humidity! Mine was like this until I put a dish with pebbles underneath her and filled it with water! I also have quite a few humidifiers in my room! These plants like consistent temperatures, and lots of humidity
2 likesDo you think this is ok for humidity? Marbles and water at the bottom of the decorative pot.
Oof just kidding! After seeing that second picture, I think it’s definitely probably some sort of bug issue! My eyes aren’t that great so I can’t really tell what it is, but I’m thinking either spider mites or thripes. I would get an insecticide and start watering with that regularly. I would also wash the leaves off with soapy water and a little bit of rubbing alcohol. Make sure none of it gets in the pot. After that Continue watering with the insecticide!
3 likes But I’d also definitely increase the humidity :)) spider mites hate humidity
2 likesThanks
0 likesI think spider mites. You want to get a miticide not a regular insecticide. Neem or All seasons oil can be effective also but it takes a longer time since it's not a contact killer. And I agree humidity is a big factor and the type of water that you use they are very sensitive to chemicals in tap water so use rainwater or filtered water or distilled water instead.
4 likesThanks
0 likesOk I gave the leaves a rub with soapy water, rinsed them with rubbing alcohol, and then cleaned up the roots and repotted in fresh soil into a smaller pot. I will get some miticide and distilled water soon for watering. Fingers crossed
She’s looking a million times better already
3 likes🥲 ty
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Spider mites have fine webbing. Thrips don’t weave webs. Both suck the sap out of the plant leaving those white patches. Neem oil and insecticidal soap are good to help eradicate these pests. Wear gloves. Disinfect hands, tools shelves to avoid spreading the pests. Isolate the plant. 🍀🪴
1 likeWhatever the pest was, hopefully my cleaning efforts earlier did the trick.
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small bugs like these will get in all the small crevices - the miticide will def help, but just make sure to keep an eye out for any more buggers. good luck!!
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I wouldn’t recommend a calathea in a terracotta pot. They need to retain a lot more moisture. And that looks like thrips to me. I would quarantine and treat with insecticidal soap and make sure to check your other plant babies. Best of luck!
1 likeI repotted it into a plastic pot w drainage holes, thanks
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My Beauty Star was the same! Spider mites 😩 I’ve been treating with Neem oil and we’re doing better now. Fingers crossed!
1 like if the bottom of the pot isn’t covered, then it can mold the bottom out because it’s getting too much moisture you want the moisture to go to just the leaves
I’m not following the first sentence…But I think you’re saying the roots/soil should not be kept moist, while the leaves should be kept moist. I will see if my setup has any visible good/bad impact…
0 likesOh I think I see now. You have the plant sitting on a dry surface, and that is sitting on top of water/pebbles?
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