These pesky critters can cause irreversible damage to your plants, so taking swift action is essential. You can restore Calatheas beautiful, pristine foliage by following simple steps. Be sure to water your plant regularly, as a lack of water can also cause a nitrogen deficiency. There are a few possible causes and solutions. Spider mites are extra small pests that are hard to spot until it's almost too late. Velvety leaves tend not to mind drying out as much as plants with thinner leaves. How can I remove white spots from Calathea leaves? The best way to treat white spots on Calathea leaves is to remove the affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide. That is white tiger Calathea for you. Containers with multiple 1/4-inches to 1/2-inches diameter drainage holes are recommended for your Calathea. Ensure that the top layer of the soil (about 1 inch) is dry before watering it again. If the drooping is severe, there might be a more serious problem. A balanced indoor plant fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) is recommended to apply during its growing period. Mealybugs: These cottony-looking little beetles prefer to hide in the cracks of leaves and stems, draining the life out of your Calathea. The plant's growth habit is compact and bushy, with the leaves arranged in a rosette pattern around a central stem. For optimal growth, at least 8-10 hours of bright, indirect light. You may need to treat your plant multiple times to get rid of all the scale. Beware not to overwater it, though. When a plants roots get too big for its container, they begin to intertwine. When it comes to houseplant problems, always assume bugs can also be blamed. After repotting, skip feeding your plant for eight weeks to enable the root system to grow. Rebecca Allen thanked robin98 Rebecca Allen Original Author 5 years ago last modified: 5 years ago Yes, the white spots could be indicative of a nutrient deficiency. After repotting, skip feeding your plant for eight weeks to enable the root system to grow. Avoid evening or late afternoon watering to prevent the Helminthosporium leaf spot. Calathea is more likely to develop a fungal disease from over-watering, appearing as spots on the leaves. If youre noticing white spots on your Calathea leaves, dont worryits a common issue that has several easy solutions. . If you are unsure what is causing the spots, its best to consult with a professional to provide a proper diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment. Chose a spot with ambient sunlight; a north-facing window can help. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites. 541 likes, 5 comments - Alessia Resta (@apartmentbotanist) on Instagram: "Finding spots in the apartment for plants is always challenging. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label, as these products can be harmful to humans if used incorrectly. They can also be found on stems and in the crevices of leaves. Since soil does not always dry up at the same rate, make a habit of monitoring the soil before watering. In addition, the soil may be stiff, preventing the absorption of water and nutrients. To treat white spots on Calathea leaves due to Mealybugs, isolate the plant and use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Soap may sound like a silly thing to use on plants, but Calathea responds well to this mild treatment for pests. Clean the leaves and stems with water, then clean the growing medium to remove mold. The browning of leaf tips on older foliage is completely normal and results from tremendous photosynthesis throughout the leafs life. If you think you have a pest problem, you can try using an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The beautiful leafy foliage features green patterns on the upper sides and purple undersides. In this article, we will discuss six different causes of white spots on Calathea leaves and how to fix them. If you suspect pests, isolate your plant to prevent the spread of disease to your other houseplants. The Jungle Velvet Calathea ( Calathea warscewiczii) is a flowering tropical houseplant with soft velvety leaves. 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. Use Helminthosporium fungicides regularly. Another common problem is mineral build-up from hard water. You can never be sure if plants ." Alessia Resta on Instagram: "Finding spots in the apartment for plants is always challenging. Treatment Remove the infected parts of the plant. Leaf spot fungus often goes untreated because it is mistaken for crispy leaves. To prevent the spread of white mold, its important to keep your Calathea plant in a well-ventilated area with low humidity. On the other end, make sure that your plant is never sitting in watering for extended periods of time and always ensure that you have a drainage hole. The affected leaves will typically be small and pale green or yellow. If the spots are the result of too much water, allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. For effective control, use a fungicide in combination with other pest management techniques, such as yellow sticky traps and insecticidal sprays. Combat an infestation by treating the plant with dilute solutions of soap, rubbing alcohol, or neem oil, and rotate between these remedies every few days. These pests generally only infest greenhouses, so youll find theyve moved into your home via a newly purchased plant. It is as if it were a variegated calathea. They generally must spread from plant to plant because they dont crawl much, so its essential to inspect and quarantine all new plants. If the soil is damp, youll either have to go waterless or relocate the plant to a brighter spot. This is seen in the form of browning or yellowing of the plant. Treat fungus promptly by spraying a fungicide that's suitable for use on houseplants,. We're committed to showcasing the best in floral and plant design, sharing our experience and recommendations on the best blooms and greenery for every occasion, season, and living environment, and spreading our love of the enchanting world of flowers and plants. Take a look at the bottom of the leaves, too. If you have insects on your Calathea, dont worry! When a calathea plant leaves wilt or droop, its usually because its thirsty. With patience and effort, you should be able to rid your plant of spider mites. Move it to a location where it wont be exposed to temperatures below 55F. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants. If you do notice white mold on your plant, you can remove affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide. Spider mites are tiny, measuring 1/50 an inch long, and range from white to reddish-brown. When this happens there is usually no turning back and the main reason is usually the . The most crucial factors in keeping your Calathea's leaves happy are proper soil and proper sun. Why is My Aloe Plant Curling (and How to Fix It)? Treating powdery mildew early on will help your plant stay healthy and strong! Adding a few tablespoons of cinnamon on top will help prevent a reoccurrence. Powdery mildew is a type of fungus that can affect Calathea leaves, causing them to develop white spots. Thrips are tiny bugs that can cause white spots on Calathea leaves. There are a few different reasons why this may happen, but don't worry, there are also a few different solutions. It is caused by a build-up of water in the leaves, and is often the result of too much water being given to the plant. $MMT = window.$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"]); }). You can try spraying the plant with water to dislodge the insects. Peperomia sandersii, also known as Watermelon Peperomia, has leaves with several white spots, resembling a watermelon. To fix this, simply flush the leaves with distilled water or rainwater to remove any excess minerals. The best way to prevent powdery mildew is to keep the leaves dry and to provide good air circulation around the plant. Spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, and whiteflies are all common pests of Calathea when grown indoors. Calathea White Fusion is a moderately sized indoor plant, typically growing up to 2 feet in height and width. So you need to water it moderately, and again, ensure the soil drains efficiently. White Crystals on Calathea Leaves. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. After looking at the plant, one thought might be lingering in your mind; these plants are captivating to look at, so they must be difficult to care for. Common names: White star Calathea, majestic prayer plant. If you have calathea in your home, you may have noticed small white spots on the leaves. Its likely due to a nutrient deficiency! Over-watering can suffocate and kill off the lowest parts of the Calatheas root system. 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. These plants already prefer low light levels. Ensure the soil you choose drains quickly. Listed below are the common questions about white spots on Calathea leaves: Common pests that affect Calathea plants include spider mites, whiteflies, Scale, mealybugs, thrips, and fungus gnats. If youre noticing white spots on your Calathea leaves, dont worryits a common issue that has an easy solution. The most common pests that attack Calathea are mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. You may also want to treat your plant with an insecticide to prevent further infestation. Various things can cause white spots on Calathea leaves, but white mold is one of the most common culprits. Its location must be out of any strong winds from doors or windows. It is recommended to repot your plant once every 2-3 years. It is also important to note that the leaves will become yellow or brown as they age and eventually perish. Do your Calathea leaves have white spots? The plant requires relatively constant, slightly damp soil, but if you place it in very soggy soil, its leaves become yellow, and its roots may also be threatened. If your infestation is severe, you may need to dispose of heavily infested leaves. If your Calathea leaves show white spots due to sunburn, the best way to treat them is to move the plant to a shadier spot or provide some shading. If you have ever grown Calathea plants, you know that they are finicky. They feed on the sap of the leaves, leaving behind a tell-tale sign of discoloration. Youll ned to be particularly considerate of young propagated calathea plants. If you have thrips on your calathea, you may notice the leaves turning yellow or brown and the plant may eventually die. Use a higher dose of solution or apply a soil drench of neem oil for best results. As their name suggests, Whiteflies are white and only about 1/10th of an inch long. Yellowing and browning are both indicators of overwatering and underwatering in calathea. Too much light. Overwatering. Calathea have a reputation for being fussy houseplants. Probable causes of white spots on Calathea leaves are listed below: Are your Calathea plants showing white spots? They puncture the tissues and suck the moisture out. Use pots with drainage holes to prevent overwatering. Be sure you're not over or underwatering your plant. Within a few weeks, new growth should appear, indicating that the cutting has taken root. Water your plant once a week or water when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry. If you disturb the plant, these little flies tend to take off like fluttering snowflakes. If you have white spots on your Calathea leaves, its likely due to a pest infestation. The first sign is a spot that seems to be wet or water-soaked even with no recent watering. Low humidity is another prevalent reason that causes your calathea leaves to curl up. However, there are several insects that may cause damage if they are brought in on the plant from the nursery or manage to make their way inside. 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. 5- Peacock plant (Calathea makoyana) Calathea makoyana is a houseplant with a unique and highly decorative leaf pattern. What are white spots on Calathea leaves? The white, oval-shaped bugs deposit a waxy coating that one can rub off with a finger. Treat the issue by fertilizing the plant with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Water once a week; check if the soil is dried out halfway down between waterings. Disinfect pruning shears with 10% solution of household bleach between cuts to avoid spreading the disease. Tap the leaf hard over a piece of white paper and watch for dark insects falling off. By puncturing the plants veins and feeding on the sweet sap, these pests leave behind a wart-like bump on the leaves, which can be easily identified by scraping it off with a fingernail. Use only half of the recommended strength of fertilizer or opt for a slow-release fertilizer. In addition, Grey mold and Bacterial Leaf Spots are two prevalent diseases in Calathea. Not many pesticides are recommended or registered for use on Calathea, especially in the home. Then the spot turns dark green and finally black. Calathea leaves perish for various causes, including being underwatered or overwatered. Spring and summer are the best seasons to fertilize calathea for optimal growth. (Essential Guide), Are Hibiscus Poisonous to Dogs, Cats, and Other Animals, Exploring the Root System of Crape Myrtles: A Comprehensive Guide, Why is My Crape Myrtle Not Blooming? The best way to prevent these diseases is to water your Calathea plant regularly, and to make sure that the plant has good drainage. The intricately detailed patterns on their foliage truly make them stand out. Mealybugs are one of the most common houseplant pests. For larger mold infestations, spray the affected Calathea leaves liberally with a solution from two teaspoons of milk diluted in one quart of warm water. Pesticides and insecticides help protect your houseplant when nothing else will work. Calathea jungle velvet adores well-drained, airy, and moist soil to grow. Moreover, they close their leaves during nighttime and open them up during the day. 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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? These gnats lay their eggs in moist soil, so moisture-loving plants like Calathea are a prime target. Mealybugs can cause damage to leaves and stems, and can even kill a plant if they are not controlled. Fungus gnats are among the most common houseplant pests, including Calathea varieties. They can be found in the crevices of leaves and stems, and they excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. If you see any, be sure to remove them immediately. You can also try wiping the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove any mineral deposits. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium deficiencies can all cause white spots on Calathea leaves. Repeat this process a few times to ensure all the bugs are gone. Fungal diseases are one of the most common problems that can affect Calathea plants. If the spots are powdery, you can assume it is mildew, which is treatable with a milk spray solution. 5. Only careful attention to watering and a fast-draining planting mix will prevent this from occurring. Spider mites can attack any healthy plant and quickly build a colony. Solid brown topurple lesions or spots to expanded lesions with bleached centers that girdle the leaf blade. Mealybugs are small, white, wingless insects that feed on the sap of plants. Direct sunlight often causes white spots on Calathea leaves by destroying the delicate pigments, resulting in white or yellow discoloration. These plants collect moisture through their broad leaves, which curl and yellow if the air becomes too dry. (2nd pic.) Arguably one of the more problematic pests, spider mites are a member of the mite family, and they love to hang out on the underside of plant leaves. This evergreen perennial plant thrives indoors with minimal care. To prevent white spots on Calathea leaves, make sure to provide adequate shade and protect the leaves from harsh sunlight. Following simple steps things can cause damage to leaves and treat the issue fertilizing! With no recent watering, isolate the plant with water to dislodge the.. Affect Calathea plants leafs life should be able to rid your plant once week. How to fix it ) below: are your Calathea & # x27 ; almost! Name suggests, whiteflies are white and only about 1/10th of an inch long, website! ; a north-facing window can help, wingless insects that feed on the leaves will become yellow or brown the. 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