spider mites on Calathea Makoyana
Quick answer
If your Calathea Makoyana has spider mites, the most likely cause is: Red spider mites attack Calathea makoyana when the surrounding air is too dry, because the mites themselves are minute red or pink sap-suckers that thrive in low humidity and feed on the thin, broad leaves of this tropical plant; the characteristic signs are fine webs on the undersides of leaves and between the leaf stalk and stem, accompanied by leaves that fade, yellow, and may eventually curl and become discoloured as sap is removed.
Start here:
- 1. Spray the whole plant with liquid derris every few days while the pests persist, cutting away any badly damaged leaves and stems, and at the same time raise the humidity around the plant by standing the pot on a tray of wet pebbles and mist-spraying daily with soft rainwater.
- 2. For severe infestations, introduce the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis to biologically suppress red spider mite populations, or shower the foliage thoroughly to physically dislodge the mites before reapplying the spray.
Why Calathea Makoyana gets spider mites
calathea makoyana
Red spider mites attack Calathea makoyana when the surrounding air is too dry, because the mites themselves are minute red or pink sap-suckers that thrive in low humidity and feed on the thin, broad leaves of this tropical plant; the characteristic signs are fine webs on the undersides of leaves and between the leaf stalk and stem, accompanied by leaves that fade, yellow, and may eventually curl and become discoloured as sap is removed.
How to reverse spider mites on Calathea Makoyana
- 1
Spray the whole plant with liquid derris every few days while the pests persist, cutting away any badly damaged leaves and stems, and at the same time raise the humidity around the plant by standing the pot on a tray of wet pebbles and mist-spraying daily with soft rainwater.
- 2
For severe infestations, introduce the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis to biologically suppress red spider mite populations, or shower the foliage thoroughly to physically dislodge the mites before reapplying the spray.
Keep spider mites off this Calathea Makoyana
Keep the air around the plant humid at all times by daily mist-spraying with soft rainwater, avoiding dry atmospheres caused by central heating and draughts, since red spider mites are discouraged by the humid conditions this tropical prayer plant requires to thrive.