---
title: "hi everyone, this is my calathea ornata. i’ve had this plant for a…"
description: "hi everyone, this is my calathea ornata. i’ve had this plant for a little over a month and a half and noticed at the bottom of the leaves there are many drops…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/65287de160e454f09fb60212"
community: "Anything about plants"
author: "lauren"
published: "2023-10-12T23:14:41.118Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/2NvSR8ROGr4a3WctFokiYGRJByppSq0aBrnkQYNbIJs/b738f314bf5a4221a5e1b15bd89c8548.webp?size=large"
---

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# hi everyone, this is my calathea ornata. i’ve had this plant for a…

_Posted by lauren on 2023-10-12_

hi everyone, this is my calathea ornata. i’ve had this plant for a little over a month and a half and noticed at the bottom of the leaves there are many drops of sticky residue and small sugar-like grains. i was wondering if this is normal or am i doing something wrong?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/2NvSR8ROGr4a3WctFokiYGRJByppSq0aBrnkQYNbIJs/b738f314bf5a4221a5e1b15bd89c8548.webp?size=large)

## 4 comments

### GreenLeaf commented on 2023-10-13

I could be signs of mealybugs. I’d inspect the plant thoroughly and continue to do so over the next few days.

### emma 🪴🌞 commented on 2023-10-13

i have the exact same plant and am treating mine right now with a little isopropyl 70% and water on a Q tip and hoping for the best 🤞

### emma 🪴🌞 commented on 2023-10-13

^ looks like some sort of bugs as the previous commented said

### Leafmealone commented on 2023-10-13

I just copied this bc I couldn’t remember the facts other than these granules are a god sign lol.

i thought this article was so interesting. i usually get these white crystals that look kinda similar to spider mites on the underside of my plants. only thing is i never see spider mite damage.

“Does your Calathea have white spots that feel sticky or salty to the touch? Do they wash off easily with water, only to reappear on a different part of the leaf the following day?

If this is the case, then the spots result from a process known as guttation.

In the humid climate of a tropical region like yours, plants like Calathea are accustomed to a high humidity level. Calatheas struggle to maintain mineral balance in their leaves and stems in their rainforest habitat.

Calatheas produce mineral-rich sap from particular pores known as hydathodes to maintain that balance. These pores expel excess salts and sugars in an undetectable trickle until equilibrium is restored. When dried, this sap leaves white marks.

Solution Guttation occurs when the Calathea is well watered and well-nourished and when there is a high humidity level around the plant. The white marks on the leaves of your Calathea are a good sign that it is doing well.

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