--- title: "My calathea is looking very sad…splotchy discoloration on many leafs,…" description: "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…" url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/gdKvxxofqUb0jdtyJJ8dj2" community: "Pests, diseases and problems" author: "Erin" published: "2025-02-02T19:20:20.078783Z" language: "en" image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/KcB0BSI_boppipiHDlqW-oxEtfsuCyJMWffaJNOrbls/norPg6DsSKCP9Abv_6VV7w.webp?size=large" --- [Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Pests, diseases and problems](https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ.md) # My calathea is looking very sad…splotchy discoloration on many leafs,… _Posted by Erin on 2025-02-02_ 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. ![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/KcB0BSI_boppipiHDlqW-oxEtfsuCyJMWffaJNOrbls/norPg6DsSKCP9Abv_6VV7w.webp?size=large) ![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/KcB0BSI_boppipiHDlqW-oxEtfsuCyJMWffaJNOrbls/LPuyD0R1QvuPJlG52AfA8A.webp?size=large) ## 19 comments ### Plantgirly commented on 2025-02-02 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 #### Erin replied on 2025-02-03 Do you think this is ok for humidity? Marbles and water at the bottom of the decorative pot. ![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/KcB0BSI_boppipiHDlqW-oxEtfsuCyJMWffaJNOrbls/lWlEl0EyS3ql8-VhSzifiQ.webp?size=large) ![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/KcB0BSI_boppipiHDlqW-oxEtfsuCyJMWffaJNOrbls/mHOqfTE-SLCForKMIZxQJg.webp?size=large) ### Plantgirly commented on 2025-02-02 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! #### Plantgirly replied on 2025-02-02 But I’d also definitely increase the humidity :)) spider mites hate humidity #### Erin replied on 2025-02-02 Thanks ### KJM commented on 2025-02-02 I 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. #### Erin replied on 2025-02-02 Thanks ### Erin commented on 2025-02-02 Ok 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 ![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/KcB0BSI_boppipiHDlqW-oxEtfsuCyJMWffaJNOrbls/0mLQBrUzSPmNTXYhXjA9Zw.webp?size=large) ![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/KcB0BSI_boppipiHDlqW-oxEtfsuCyJMWffaJNOrbls/ArpZL_6zQ4yDYRt5qoYGGg.webp?size=large) #### Plantgirly replied on 2025-02-02 She’s looking a million times better already #### Erin replied on 2025-02-02 🥲 ty ### Sunny commented on 2025-02-02 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. 🍀🪴 #### Erin replied on 2025-02-02 Whatever the pest was, hopefully my cleaning efforts earlier did the trick. ### c.cat commented on 2025-02-03 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!! ### Katelyn commented on 2025-02-03 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! #### Erin replied on 2025-02-03 I repotted it into a plastic pot w drainage holes, thanks ### MicAZ commented on 2025-02-03 My Beauty Star was the same! Spider mites 😩 I’ve been treating with Neem oil and we’re doing better now. Fingers crossed! ### Plantgirly commented on 2025-02-03 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 ![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/BCFv2fNOZfkEegHleV3UFQ2Qu3M8YK-tr3KwM3SvWy0/lT4YgnQKTu-Dkpbnu3OBuw.webp?size=large) #### Erin replied on 2025-02-04 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… #### Erin replied on 2025-02-04 Oh I think I see now. You have the plant sitting on a dry surface, and that is sitting on top of water/pebbles? --- _Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_