spider mites on Rattlesnake Plant
Quick answer
If your Rattlesnake Plant has spider mites, the most likely cause is: Spider mites are the pest the book singles out as the most common on the broader Calathea group that includes the rattlesnake plant (Calathea lancifolia); they take hold on the foliage when indoor humidity is low and the air is dry, which is the same condition that already stresses a rattlesnake plant.
Start here:
- 1. Wash all the leaves and stems with a gentle stream of water, then wipe them down with a mixture of castile soap and water (1 Tbsp. (15ml) castile soap to 3 oz. (1 L) of water), and rinse again with water.
- 2. Avoid neem oil on this plant — the book states neem oil does not agree with calatheas and will cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
Why Rattlesnake Plant gets spider mites
rattlesnake plant
Spider mites are the pest the book singles out as the most common on the broader Calathea group that includes the rattlesnake plant (Calathea lancifolia); they take hold on the foliage when indoor humidity is low and the air is dry, which is the same condition that already stresses a rattlesnake plant.
How to reverse spider mites on Rattlesnake Plant
- 1
Wash all the leaves and stems with a gentle stream of water, then wipe them down with a mixture of castile soap and water (1 Tbsp. (15ml) castile soap to 3 oz. (1 L) of water), and rinse again with water.
- 2
Avoid neem oil on this plant — the book states neem oil does not agree with calatheas and will cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
Keep spider mites off this Rattlesnake Plant
Keep humidity high with misting, a humidifier, or a pebble tray, check under the rattlesnake plant's leaves often for mites, and use only the castile-soap wash if an outbreak starts so the foliage is not damaged.