Calathea varieties are popular houseplants because of their large and patterned leaves. However, the flowers require some experience in caring for. The Calathea cannot tolerate care errors and quickly shows abnormalities such as a sticky coating on the leaves.
What causes sticky leaves on my Calathea?
Sticky leaves on houseplants are usually asign of a pest infestation. The sticky substance is sugary secretions called honeydew. This comes from scale insects or aphids sucking on the plant.
Is sticky coating on my calathea harmful?
Sticky coating on the leaves of houseplants candamage the plantIt is a good breeding ground for sooty mold fungi, which, if heavily infested, inhibit the calathea's growth. At the same time The sticky coating is a sign of a pest infestation. Aphids and scale insects suck the nutrients from the calathea and weaken it. The result is a crippled plant that can even die in severe infestation.
How do I treat honeydew on Calathea?
For successful treatment of Calathea,the cause must be eliminated. Aphids or scale insects can be controlled using various means to save your plant:
- Shower the plant several times
- Spray several times with a mixture of neem or rapeseed oil with water
- Spraying or wiping the leaves with a soft soap solution;
- Use of beneficial insects such as lacewings or parasitic wasps
Tip
Calathea outdoors
In warm weather in summer, you can put your calathea on the terrace or balcony. Summer rain contains little lime and is therefore gentler on the calathea than tap water. At the same time, in the event of an aphid infestation, many beneficial insects from the garden such as ladybirds and birds can reduce the number of pests.
