spider mites on Calathea
Quick answer
If your Calathea has spider mites, the most likely cause is: Calatheas are notorious "spider mite magnets" because their thin foliage and high-humidity needs often clash with dry indoor air (<40% RH), creating the perfect breeding ground for mites. Infestations typically start on leaf undersides, appearing as fine webbing or "stippling" (tiny white dots) on the leaf surface before progressing to yellowing and leaf drop.
Start here:
- 1. Isolate the plant immediately to prevent rapid spread to your entire collection.
- 2. Perform a "Deep Shower": Wash both sides of every leaf and the stems under lukewarm running water to mechanically remove mites and eggs.
Why Calathea gets spider mites
Goeppertia spp.
Calatheas are notorious "spider mite magnets" because their thin foliage and high-humidity needs often clash with dry indoor air (<40% RH), creating the perfect breeding ground for mites. Infestations typically start on leaf undersides, appearing as fine webbing or "stippling" (tiny white dots) on the leaf surface before progressing to yellowing and leaf drop.
Other documented causes on calathea:
- • Calatheas are highly susceptible to spider mites, which thrive in the warm, dry indoor air Calatheas often struggle in. Infestations are identified by fine webbing and stippling (tiny white dots) on leaves, leading to rapid yellowing and leaf loss.
How to reverse spider mites on Calathea
- 1
Isolate the plant immediately to prevent rapid spread to your entire collection.
- 2
Perform a "Deep Shower": Wash both sides of every leaf and the stems under lukewarm running water to mechanically remove mites and eggs.
- 3
Apply treatment: Use Neem oil, insecticidal soap, or a miticide like Abamectin. You MUST repeat this every 3-5 days for at least 3 weeks to break the hatching cycle.
- 4
For severe infestations, prune back the most affected leaves (or even a full "chop to the soil") to simplify treatment; Calatheas can regrow from rhizomes in spring.
Keep spider mites off this Calathea
Maintain humidity above 60% year-round. Perform weekly "underside inspections" with a magnifying glass. Give the plant a monthly preventative shower to keep leaves clean and hydrated.