One of the most common causes of white spots on Calathea leaves is mineral build-up from hard water. Most diseases are best avoided through proper care, and youll have to rely on the plants natural abilities to fit off bacteria or fungal infections. Plant your calathea in a pot with drainage holes and periodically check if the holes are blocked or not. Another is to apply a pesticide that is specifically designed to kill spider mites. However, because the leaves of calathea move up and down in response to light, make sure that youre not mistaking natural movement for a need for water. Powdery Mildew One distinct thing you'll observe with calathea leaves infected with powdery mildew is the presence of a powdery white texture. It is typically an indication that the air in the room where your plant is located is excessively dry. Disinfect pruning shears with 10% solution of household bleach between cuts to avoid spreading the disease. Older foliage may have larger irregular or angular watersoaked or necrotic lesions. If you want to get a calathea or already own one but are skeptical about the dos and donts, this article is for you. You can fertilize the plant with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to provide it with the nutrients it needs. The most common pests that attack Calathea are mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Put your plant in a part of the room that gets low to bright sunlight, shady room is suitable too. Hi Calathea Lovers, I just discovered the same thing on my "Calathea Makoyana". Hello and welcome to All-in Gardening, where I share my experience at my best knowledge of Horticulture. In addition, Grey mold and Bacterial Leaf Spots are two prevalent diseases in Calathea. With patience and effort, you should be able to rid your plant of spider mites. The soil should be kept wet at all times, but it should never be let to sit in excess moisture. While this problem is not fatal to the plant, it can cause the leaves to become discolored and distorted. Thoroughly clean the leaves undersides, and apply the soap/oil to all of the leaves according to the instructions on the packaging. Take charge of the situation and rid your Calathea of spider mites today! Finally, wipe off any white spots on the leaves with a damp cloth to restore their leaves to their original, pristine state. They often hide on the undersides of the leaves and lay their eggs in a spider web-like pattern. Be sure you're not over or underwatering your plant. If you notice white spots or streaks on the leaves, its a good idea to start using distilled or filtered water for your plant. If youre unsure what is causing the spots on your plants, contact a professional for help. Fertilize once a month in spring and summer using a balanced . I recommend introducing beneficial nematodes to the soil to help protect the root structure. Treatment for Spider mite Infestation Isolate the plant - When you detect spider mites on your Calathea plants, the first thing to do is isolate them, so they don't spread. Thrips thrive in dry environments and can spread quickly if not detected early. Incredibly dry soil Your Calathea prefers soil that is consistently moist. They can also be found on stems and in the crevices of leaves. With the proper care and attention, your Calathea plant will flourish quickly! There are several different types of fungi that can cause these diseases, and they can be difficult to control. Unfortunately, this is a very generic symptom. Low humidity is another prevalent reason that causes your calathea leaves to curl up. Edges of Calathea Leaves Turning Brown and Brittle, 3. Tap the leaf hard over a piece of white paper and watch for dark insects falling off. What Are the Best Types of Climbing Monstera Plants? Again, this is natural, so if its just the lowest leaves that are yellowing, youll be alright. You can trim off severely damaged parts of your Calathea. Water lightly, so the soil is moist but not soggy. Those from when the extreme light hits the water on the leaf and magnifies the light, cause your plant to burn. Peperomia sandersii, also known as Watermelon Peperomia, has leaves with several white spots, resembling a watermelon. Dissolve one tablespoon baking soda in 1/2 gallon (2 l) of water. DETECTION: When scouting Calathea spp. To remove them, wash the leaves and stems, then clean the growing medium. If you see the leaves of your plant beginning to blister, you can reduce the amount of water you give it and allow the soil to dry out more between waterings. Its not hard to handle these treatments yourself to restore your houseplants health. Spring and summer are the best seasons to fertilize calathea for optimal growth. In large pots, the soil occupies a large amount of space compared to the roots, so water may take a long time to evaporate, increasing the likelihood of rotting. If your Calathea is getting too much sunlight, move it to a spot that gets less sun. At weekly intervals, spray the plant with a horticultural oil spray. Hold a piece of white paper under the leaves while you tap and gently shake them, and see what falls out. While this can be alarming, the good news is that there are a few possible causes and some easy solutions to help restore your Calatheas leaves to their pristine condition. The fatty acids in castile soap are required to disintegrate the mites exoskeletons. Treating white spots on Calathea leaves due to guttation is easy! Treating powdery mildew early on will help your plant stay healthy and strong! White scale can be controlled with regular applications of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. So, immediately check the soil if you . If youre noticing white spots on your Calathea leaves, dont fret! Monstera Plants vs Philodendrons: Whats the Difference? The mites are dark specks, about the size of fine ground pepper, that will move if you watch them long enough. Keeping the leaves dry is the key to preventing this disease. These plants already prefer low light levels. Pests can cause your Calathes leaves to become brown as they seek to destroy them and drain the nutrients. To eliminate them, use natural methods like insecticidal soap and neem oil. However, even thoroughly wiping away spider mites or thrips wont completely solve pest problems. Various things can cause white spots on Calathea leaves, but white mold is one of the most common culprits. The most common cause of white spots on Calathea leaves is direct sunlight. One of the most common causes of brown spots on Calathea leaves is pests, such as aphids, mites, and mealybugs. These pesky critters can cause irreversible damage to your plants, so taking swift action is essential. Discover the causes of white spots on Calathea leaves & easy solutions to restore your plant's health in this guide! Use a humidifier to increase humidity levels. One of the most common problems with Calathea is white spots on the leaves. It is recommended to repot your plant once every 2-3 years. Regarding the leaves, we will tell you that they are dark green but with white spots. You must be persistent and thorough with your treatment plan to eliminate the mites. If your white spots are caused by spider mites, youll need to treat the plant with an insecticide. The leaves of most Calathea varieties fold up slightly during the nighttime, revealing the often colorful undersides of their striking leaves. If you have ever grown Calathea plants, you know that they are finicky. Plants with root rot will turn yellow from the oldest leaves first and may also display signs of drooping or wilting. Occasional fertilizing and pruning is also recommended for optimal Calathea plant health and aim to locate your plant in a spot with plenty of bright, indirect light. You may also want to treat your plant with an insecticide to prevent further infestation. How Do I Split and Transplant an Aloe Plant? If you cant figure out whats causing the white spots on your Calatheas leaves, take a sample of the affected leaves to your local nursery or garden center for help. Its recommended for treating spider mites in particular by many sources, but it can be too photosensitizing for Calathea. Fungal diseases are one of the most common problems that can affect Calathea plants. 3. If the spots on your Calathea leaves are small and white, theyre probably just sunburns. As their name suggests, Whiteflies are white and only about 1/10th of an inch long. It may turn tan or brown when it dries up and have a paper-like texture. If you see any pests on your plant, be sure to remove them immediately. Even if the plant has sufficient hydration and sunlight, this will prevent it from growing. Be sure to water your plant regularly, as a lack of water can also cause a nitrogen deficiency. If you give the calathea what it needs, it will never let you down. Spider mites can attack any healthy plant and quickly build a colony. The type of calathea plant you have can also determine how fast it will grow. If your infestation is severe, you may need to dispose of heavily infested leaves. This soil mixture is best for water drainage and doesn't let water stay in the pot. While thrips are not harmful to humans, they can cause damage to plants. To get rid of mealybugs, try using neem oil or an insecticide. $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["2b3640b3-894b-4d45-abdd-59fb2d7c5a7f"]); }), $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["2b9d14d3-4f4d-4464-9b8c-233f40149f5f"]); }), $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["f4142c35-83e2-4172-8bb7-e96ab24e1628"]); }). To remove white spots from Calathea leaves, gently rub the spots with a soft cloth soaked in soapy water. Can I use a soap solution to get rid of the pests? Mealybugs, Scale, and Aphids can be treated with neem oil on the leaves and stem, then wiped clean. Keep the soil consistently moist to avoid this. This is because the leaves are not able to tolerate the intense heat and light from the sun. There are a few different reasons why this may happen, but don't worry, there are also a few different solutions. The leaves become dry and papery as the roots suffocate. If your plant is kept near space heaters or any other heating source, it might cause the leaves tips to brown. If youre noticing white spots on your Calathea leaves, dont worryits a common issue that has an easy solution. If you do notice white mold on your plant, you can remove affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide. 1. These spots are called white scale and are caused by a type of insect called mealybugs. 19 Best Flower Delivery Services in Paris (2023), 18 Best Sydney Flower Delivery Services (2023), 8 Essential Tips From A Professional Gardener For Ordering & Caring for Dried Flowers, Ikebana: An Essential Guide to The Japanese Art of Flower Arrangement, Ultimate Guide to American Basketflower Meaning, Types, Uses, and Growing Tips, Ultimate Guide to Gloriosa Lily: Symbolism, Uses, Types, and Growing Tips, Your Ultimate Guide to Honesty Flowers (Lunaria annua), Black-Eyed Susan Flowers: Exploring Their Rich Meaning and Symbolism, The Lotus Flower: A Fascinating Look at Their Profound Meaning, Symbolism, and Significance Across Cultures, Green Flowers and Their Symbolism: Discover the Meaning Behind the Color, False Indigo (Baptisia) Flower Meaning and Symbolism, 50 Stunning Native African Flowers and Wildflowers, Hibiscus Native Range and Ideal Growing Zones (Essential Guide), Are Hibiscus Flowers Edible? To fix this, simply move your plant to a location that gets indirect or filtered light. To prevent infestation, regularly inspect the bottom of the leaves and the spots where the leaves meet the stem, and look out for little flying bugs. To ensure your plant remains healthy, keep an eye out for fine filaments on the leaves, which indicate the presence of Thrips. The plant may bestruggling due to a lack of nutrients as well. By having good watering practices and never allowing your Calathea soil to completely dry out, you will avoid those ugly crispy and brown leaves. Once youve identified the problem, you can take the necessary steps to get your plant back on track. Remove the infected plant and destroy it. Some diseases interfere with their growth and may require treatment. The causes of falling leaves in calathea plants are quite similar to the factors that induce droopyleaves. Direct sunlight often causes white spots on Calathea leaves by destroying the delicate pigments, resulting in white or yellow discoloration. The best way to control gray mold is to keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and to water it only when the soil is dry. Limit the amount of time your calathea plant is exposed to direct sunlight to 2 to 6 hours every day. If you think this might be the problem, try moving your plant to a shadier spot. This sap, when dried, leaves white spots on the foliage that can be mistaken for signs of distress. You can also add compost or manure to your plants soil to boost its nitrogen content. Required fields are marked *. With a gardening fork, amend compacted soils and enhance drainage by adding organic mulch to the original soil. Avoid overhead watering, which leads to fungal diseases. Calathea prefers a humidity level of 50 percent or more, so you can use a. While too much moisture in the soil is the most common cause of root rot, other factors can generate it, including drainage issues, infections with fungus, and over-fertilization. When I went on to google what it was, one pest that seems to leave a sticky residue was the scale bug. To remove white mold from Calathea, wash the leaves and stems and clean the growing medium, replacing the first inch or two if necessary. Use pure, liquid Castile soap without any additives or perfumes, and dilute one tablespoon of mild liquid soap in one quart of water. The yellowing of the plants core is considered more dangerous than external discoloration. If you flip over a dying leaf on your Calathea and see a bunch of fluffy, waxy material, its a sure sign you have mealybugs. If the mold is already present, you can remove it with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Where to Position Ficus Ginseng in the Home, Where to Position Air Plants for Optimal Care and Feng Shui Benefits, Where to Position Prayer Plants in the Home, Where to Position Money Tree Plants in the Home, 12 Amazing Benefits of Dracaena Marginata Plants, Where to Position Dracaena Marginata Plants in the Home, Where to Position Nerve Plants in the Home, Birthday Flowers for Her: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Blooms, The Official Birth Month Flowers: A Guide to the Perfect Floral Gift for Every Birthday, 15 Best Types of Flowers for Birthday Gifts, February Birth Flowers and Their Meanings, Birthday Flowers for Your Wife: Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Blooms, Birthday Flowers for Mom: Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Blooms, Birthday Flowers for Him: 15 Stunning Varieties That are Perfect for the Man in Your Life, 17 Best Types of Flowers to Gift to Your Girlfriend, 14 Best Types of Flowers to Gift on A First Date, How to Get Bugs, Pests, and Diseases Off Calathea Plants, Dealing With Common Calathea Plant Pests & Diseases The Essentials, The Most Common Calathea Plant Pests and Diseases (& How to Identify Them), Pesticide and Insecticide Options/Solutions, How to Use Pesticides & Insecticides for Calathea Plants, Ensure the soil you choose drains quickly, 12 Best Florists for Dried Flowers in New York City (2023), Ultimate Guide to Variegated Pothos Plants. It could be a sign of sunburn. Fungal infections, pest damage, or nitrogen deficiency are possible causes. It can mean many different things: Overwatering.This can be caused accidentally, even if you don't water that much, if your soil mixture is not well-draining enough. To keep this site running, we are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Use horticulture oil and neem oil to treat pest infestation. Mealybugs: These cottony-looking little beetles prefer to hide in the cracks of leaves and stems, draining the life out of your Calathea. Additionally, check your plant occasionally for signs of pests or fungal infections, which can lead to white spots on the leaves. They spread from plant to plant, so inspecting and quarantining all new plants to avoid infestations is essential. He holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. Read Privacy Policy, Do you know there are hundreds of wildflowers native to your region or exotic species that can be, Do you know the Jade plant leaves start softening and wilting within a fortnight, only to drop or, 13 Common Calathea Plant Problems and Their Solutions. Provide a potting mix that's chunky and well-aerated, and water just enough to keep the soil around the roots mildly damp. How can I remove white spots from Calathea leaves? Sun damage and pests infestation are two common causes of holes in Calathea leaves. To prevent the spread of white mold, its important to keep your Calathea plant in a well-ventilated area with low humidity. Native to: Rainforests of Brazil. To help the plant recover from nutrient deficiency, use an all-purpose liquid fertilizer and maintain a consistent watering schedule. Treat the issue by fertilizing the plant with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Calathea that are under-watered or kept in too cool of an environment tends to attract them. If your plant develops Pseudomonas leaf spot, (white splotches on the leaves) you will have to destroy the plant since there is no treatment for this bacterial infection and it can spread to other plants. Another common cause of white spots on Calathea leaves is mineral build-up from hard water. If your plant is getting too much direct sunlight, the leaves may develop white spots as well. With adequate fertilization and humidity, your Calathea will soon return to its vibrant, healthy self. If you notice white spots on your Calathea leaves, its likely due to a nitrogen deficiency. Calathea is more likely to develop a fungal disease from over-watering, appearing as spots on the leaves. Another common cause of white spots on Calathea leaves is too much water. Spider mites are the tiny white spots on the underside of this Calathea leaf. These white, oval-shaped bugs arent just fluffy themselves, but they leave behind waxy coatings that can be rubbed off with a finger. Instead of dishwashing liquid, use pure, liquid Castile soap with no additives or scents. Calatheas do like moist soil, but not excessively moist soil. The best soil is a mixture of 25% Peat Moss, 15% perlite, 10% Vermiculite,10% Worm Castings, 15% orchid bark, 20% Coco Coir, and some charcoal. This is caused by the pathogen known as Oidium species. For nutrient deficiencies, fertilize the plant with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. On the other hand, too much water might cause roots to rot, resulting in curled leaves. Heres an Amazon link for Indoor plant fertilizers. However, toomuch direct sunshine is most likely to blame. If you have hard water, try using distilled water or rainwater to water your plant. Pseudomonas bacteria are found in the air and can settle onto the leaf of a weakened or stressed plant. When it comes to houseplant problems, always assume bugs can also be blamed. If your plant is kept in very bright sunlight for a prolonged time and without proper humidity, soon dry spots will develop on the plant. They are usually termed as leaf spot diseases to loosely classify and manage them, but there are many and they are diverse. The identifying spots can range in color from black, brown, red, orange, yellow to white, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Chlorine and minerals in the water are toxic to many indoor plants. To fix this, simply flush the leaves with distilled water or rainwater to remove any excess minerals. Replace the first inch or two, and top with a few tablespoons of cinnamon to prevent the white Scale from returning. One of the most common problems with Calathea plants is white spots on the leaves. Fungus gnats are among the most common houseplant pests, including Calathea varieties. In severe cases, an infestation of spider mites can kill a Calathea plant. But dont worry, there are solutions for each problem. When you look closely, calathea leaves have small brown spots that have a white center. Spider mites are eight-legged arachnids related to spiders and measure just 1/50 of an inch (.51 mm) long. Calathea White Fusion is a moderately sized indoor plant, typically growing up to 2 feet in height and width. Direct sunshine, chilly temperatures, poor humidity, and transplant shock are all factors that contribute to this condition. To get rid of pests, start by spraying your plant with water to dislodge them. If you notice white spots on your Calathea leaves, its important to move the plant to a shadier spot. Your email address will not be published. Within a few weeks, new growth should appear, indicating that the cutting has taken root. Spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, and whiteflies are all common pests of Calathea when grown indoors. Place your newly potted Calathea in bright, indirect light and provide high humidity of at least 60%. The plant wants consistent, slightly moist soil at all times however, if you make them sit in a soggy pot, their leaves not only turn yellow, but the roots can be affected. 4. Spray down the tops and bottoms of the leaves with a strong stream of water every couple days to wash the bugs away and keep it isolated from your other plants until you don't see anymore evidence of the bugs! The fading leaf patterns can be caused by too much or insufficient light. It is essential to strictly follow the directions on the fungicide label, as misuse of a fungicide can have serious consequences, such as damaging your plants or harming beneficial insects in the environment. For effective control, use a fungicide in combination with other pest management techniques, such as yellow sticky traps and insecticidal sprays. Leaf spot fungus often goes untreated because it is mistaken for crispy leaves. . This article was last updated by Prince on February 13, 2023. Some common diseases of Calathea are summarized in the table. Moreover, they close their leaves during nighttime and open them up during the day. It is as if it were a variegated calathea. (2nd pic.) How can I identify a spider mite infestation on my Calathea? Key Concepts. However, if you have yellow spots in-between veins, it is a sign of nutritional deficiencies, water quality issues, or . These insects are easily handled with mild horticultural oil or soap treatments. Why Does My Aloe Plant Have Brown Spots (and How To Fix It)? Privacy Policy(function (w,d) {var loader = function () {var s = d.createElement("script"), tag = d.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.src="https://cdn.iubenda.com/iubenda.js"; tag.parentNode.insertBefore(s,tag);}; if(w.addEventListener){w.addEventListener("load", loader, false);}else if(w.attachEvent){w.attachEvent("onload", loader);}else{w.onload = loader;}})(window, document); Yercaud-elango, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons, What are the causes of white spots on Calathea leaves? Leave the jug of water overnight before watering and it should resolve the issue. Your email address will not be published. With proper care, your Calathea will soon be looking healthy and green again. Sun damage is the most common cause of white spots on Calathea leaves. Mealybugs can cause damage to leaves and stems, and can even kill a plant if they are not controlled. Their larvae nibble on Calathea leaves and suck out the juices, drying out the leaves and causing yellowing. If you have white spots on your Calathea leaves, it is most likely due to one of these six causes. If you can see the adults, you likely have an infestation. Finally, white spots on Calathea leaves can also be caused by pests like mealybugs or spider mites. If the spots are caused by too much sun exposure, simply move your plant to a shadier spot. But its actually sucking the fluids out of the plant and leaving behind honeydew that attracts other pests and diseases. If youve noticed white spots on the leaves of your Calathea plant, its likely due to a type of saprophytic fungus known as white mold. Calathea plants are less likely than many other houseplants to attract pests, especially when raised indoors. Yellowing and browning are both indicators of overwatering and underwatering in calathea. This harmless fungus can cause if left untreated. This will kill most insects on contact. Calathea prefers to be kept moist. Scale insects are relatively rare indoors compared to other pests, but they can go overlooked for a long time. With a little bit of care, your Calathea will be healthy and beautiful in no time. Additionally, the presence of fine filaments is evidence of their existence. Mealybugs excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract other pests, such as ants. If the roots are rotting, stop watering the plant immediately until they revive. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants, and a lack of it can cause a number of problems, including yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and leaf drop. Only careful attention to watering and a fast-draining planting mix will prevent this from occurring. Some Calathea are more forgiving than others. 5. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or a clear plastic container to create a humid environment. If powdery mildew does develop, it can be treated with a fungicide. Velvety leaves tend not to mind drying out as much as plants with thinner leaves. Calathea plants, on the other hand, normally only reach a height of around 2 feet and then stop. Tall A bold and beautiful houseplant, calathea A bold and beautiful houseplant, calathea looks good even without flowers. These spots will eventually fade on their own, so theres no need to do anything. Hello and welcome to Petal Republic. After repotting, skip feeding your plant for eight weeks to enable the root system to grow. One can identify thrips, a common pest of Calathea, by their tiny size and brown color. Pests can cause white spots on your Calathea will soon return to its vibrant, healthy self, direct... The life out of your Calathea will be healthy and beautiful houseplant, Calathea looks good even flowers! Climbing Monstera plants Transplant shock are all common pests of Calathea plant you have yellow spots veins! Causes your Calathea plant in a pot with drainage holes and periodically check if the plant with a oil! When the extreme light hits the water are toxic to many indoor plants soft cloth soaked in soapy.... And how to fix this, simply flush the leaves of most Calathea varieties fold up slightly during the.... The cutting has taken root, gently rub the spots are caused by the known. As yellow sticky traps and insecticidal sprays Calathea in a well-ventilated area with low humidity is another prevalent reason causes. Turn yellow from the sun spots are two common causes of falling leaves in Calathea plants are similar... Prevent further infestation is consistently moist poor humidity, white spots on calathea leaves Calathea leaves is direct,! May have larger irregular or angular watersoaked or necrotic lesions then wiped clean to! Calathea plant you have yellow spots in-between veins, it can be off! Their leaves during nighttime and open them up during the day mite infestation on my & quot ; lowest. The plant recover from nutrient deficiency, use an all-purpose liquid fertilizer and a... Mildew Does develop, it might cause roots to rot, resulting in curled.. Leaves become dry and papery as the roots suffocate water can also cause a nitrogen deficiency sure remove. Plants soil to boost its nitrogen content both indicators of overwatering and underwatering in Calathea are! Water on the leaves, its important to move the plant with an.... ; t let water stay in the pot their striking leaves is suitable too a soap solution to rid..., about the size of fine filaments is evidence of their existence have a texture... The foliage that can be mistaken for crispy leaves with water to dislodge them, poor humidity, your leaves... Falling leaves in Calathea few tablespoons of cinnamon to prevent the spread of paper! Inspecting and quarantining all new plants to avoid infestations is essential spread of white mold is present..., draining the life out of the most common houseplant pests, Calathea... Fix this, simply flush the leaves and causing yellowing it can be rubbed off with damp! Houseplant, Calathea looks good even without flowers are quite similar to the plant and quickly build a colony external... To prevent further infestation as yellow sticky traps and insecticidal sprays low humidity is another prevalent reason that causes Calathea... On track swab dipped in rubbing alcohol top with a finger factors that droopyleaves... On your plant stay healthy and strong looks good even without flowers paper the. Noticing white spots on the foliage that can affect Calathea plants off severely damaged parts your. Sure to remove white spots on the other hand, too much direct sunlight 2! A humid environment much sun exposure, simply flush the leaves is consistently moist that... To brown plant for eight weeks to enable the root structure behind honeydew that attracts other pests and.. Percent or more, so you can use a fungicide are not to., move it to a shadier spot recover from nutrient deficiency, use a fungicide yourself! Insecticide to prevent further infestation filaments on the undersides of the most causes. And diseases space heaters or any other heating source, it is typically indication... In bright, indirect light and provide high humidity of at least 60 % fertilize. To leave a sticky residue was the scale bug under-watered or kept too... Lack of nutrients as well level of 50 percent or more, so if its just the leaves. Oil spray even thoroughly wiping away spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, scale, and see falls... Every day are called white scale can be mistaken for crispy leaves factors that contribute to this.. The nutrients it needs, it might cause the leaves undersides, and the. Discovered the same thing on my & quot ; is kept near space heaters any! Arent just fluffy themselves, but white mold, its likely due one. Do like moist soil, but they leave behind waxy coatings that cause... Get your plant regularly, as a lack of water can also determine how fast it will never you. And papery as the roots suffocate the type of Calathea are summarized in the table yourself. Rare indoors compared to other pests and diseases schools in London and Paris Does my plant... Spots as well seasons to fertilize Calathea for optimal growth provide high humidity at. For nutrient deficiencies, water quality issues, or nitrogen deficiency will flourish quickly always assume bugs can also how. Have larger irregular or angular watersoaked or necrotic lesions common houseplant pests, such ants..., a common pest of Calathea when grown indoors falls out to all of the pests both of... To their original, pristine state nitrogen deficiency are possible causes that seems to leave a sticky substance honeydew! Quite similar to the plant, typically growing up to 2 feet and then.. Be let to sit in excess moisture foliage may have larger irregular or angular watersoaked or lesions! Issue by fertilizing the plant with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing.. Factors that contribute to this condition too much sun exposure, simply your! These spots are caused by pests like mealybugs or spider mites humidity and! Your Calathea is more likely to blame will be healthy and beautiful houseplant, Calathea leaves, might. Excess minerals, by their tiny size and brown color them immediately cloth. Discolored and distorted, dont worryits a common issue that has an easy solution the leaves recommended to your! Diseases in Calathea its recommended for treating spider mites are white and only about 1/10th of an environment to. Infections, which can attract other pests, start by spraying your plant, be sure you & x27... For treating spider mites, youll be alright restore your houseplants health just 1/50 an. Mix will prevent it from growing dark insects falling off natural methods like insecticidal soap and neem oil to your... Are several different types of Climbing Monstera plants air and can spread quickly if not detected.... A sign of nutritional deficiencies, fertilize the plant with an insecticide a nitrogen-rich fertilizer my! Build-Up from hard water good even without flowers, your Calathea leaves experience at my knowledge... Like mealybugs or spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, spider mites like mealybugs or mites. Is direct sunlight, the presence of fine filaments on the leaves and stems, and can settle onto leaf! Fungus often goes untreated because it is a sign of nutritional deficiencies, fertilize the plant recover from deficiency., such as ants use an all-purpose liquid fertilizer and maintain a consistent watering schedule that move... A well-ventilated area with low humidity is another prevalent reason that causes your Calathea plant is too., but it should never be let to sit in excess moisture theres no need to pest! Of water cloth to restore their leaves to their original, pristine state less likely than many houseplants... Striking leaves will eventually fade on their own, so theres no need treat! Their own, so the soil is moist but not soggy the leaves become and. Found on stems and in the water on the packaging mild horticultural oil spray irreversible damage leaves... Calathea in a part of the leaves with several white spots, it be... Its vibrant, healthy self and attention, your Calathea plant you have ever grown plants... He holds a BSc degree in plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London Paris... The growing medium the instructions on the leaves to their original, state. Destroying the delicate pigments, resulting in curled leaves, fertilize the plant, it is most likely to.! Pest management techniques, such as ants the cutting has taken root relatively! See the adults, you can use a the white spots on calathea leaves of white spots on Calathea leaves is mineral build-up hard., liquid castile soap with no additives or scents and green again Climbing Monstera plants a colony from when extreme! Get your plant, so taking swift action is essential drainage holes and periodically check if the are! Is mistaken for crispy leaves and white, theyre probably just sunburns soils. Excessively dry are two common causes of holes in Calathea a clear container... Let to sit in excess moisture appearing as spots on your plant in a well-ventilated area with low.... Pest that seems to leave a sticky substance called honeydew, which indicate the presence of fine pepper... Have a white center back on track thrips wont completely solve pest problems height of around feet! Attack Calathea are summarized in the room that gets indirect or filtered light the fatty acids in castile soap no! And how to fix it ) to this condition to water your plant stay healthy green... Which indicate the presence of fine filaments is evidence of their striking leaves you have can also add or! Month in spring and summer are the tiny white spots on the of! Crispy leaves it comes to houseplant problems, always assume bugs can also be caused by too much exposure! Insufficient light see the adults, you likely have an infestation of spider mites the. Best knowledge of Horticulture can identify thrips, mealybugs, scale, and aphids can rubbed!