Calathea, also called basket marante, is called a living plant. Their impressive leaves stand up at night. The popular plant requires more complex care, otherwise there is a risk of diseases and pests.
Why does my calathea have white spots?
White dots on the leaves of the Calathea indicate ainfestation with spider mites. If care is made incorrectly, the leaves of the Calathea are very susceptible to these parasites.
How do I recognize spider mites?
If your Calathea is infested with spider mites, fine webshave formed on the underside of the leaves. These are a maximum of the size of a ten cent piece and are surrounded by white spider mites. These pests themselves are a maximum of 0.8 millimeters in size. You should remove spider mites from the Calathea immediately as they deprive the plant of moisture.
How are spider mites treated?
First aid against spider mites on the Calathea is alukewarm shower bath of the plant. Then leave the plant in a warm, humid room for another hour. Alternatively, the plant can also be packed in a large, transparent bag. The high humidity in it can drive away the pests within two weeks. To combat spider mites, you can also wash the leaves and stems with a solution of oil and water. Coconut or rapeseed oil clogs the breathing openings of the parasites, causing them to die.
How do I avoid spider mites on my calathea?
When caring for your Calathea, pay attention to thehigh humidity that the plant needs for he althy growth. Spider mites prefer dry air and especially heating in winter. That's why you don't put your Calathea on the heater. Humidify the air near your Calathea with an indoor fountain or mist the plant regularly.
Tip
White spots caused by pesticides
The leaves of the Calahtea are generally very vulnerable. If you treat spider mites heavily with chemical pesticides, they can also bleach locally. The areas are transparent, but appear white in the light. That's why you should first resort to natural pest control measures for Calathea.
