Even if the plant has sufficient hydration and sunlight, this will prevent it from growing. Use horticulture oil and neem oil to treat pest infestation. Additionally, adding a few tablespoons of cinnamon on top of the growing medium can help stop the white spots from returning. One of the most common causes of white spots on Calathea leaves is mineral build-up from hard water. Pests can cause your Calathes leaves to become brown as they seek to destroy them and drain the nutrients. Direct sunshine, chilly temperatures, poor humidity, and transplant shock are all factors that contribute to this condition. Once a month, use a diluted regular houseplant fertilizer. Take proactive measures to protect your Calathea from disease and pests for optimal growth. These are some of the most common issues faced in a calathea plant. White Crystals on Calathea Leaves. Move it to a location where it wont be exposed to temperatures below 55F. Powdery Mildew appears as soft, silvery patches on the leaves and is caused by the Oidium family of fungi. Another common cause of white spots on Calathea leaves is too much water. Treat fungus promptly by spraying a fungicide that's suitable for use on houseplants,. Terms and Conditions(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); A 3:1:2 ratio organic fertilizer can also be effective. With proper care and a consistent supply of nutrients, your Calathea should soon return to its vibrant self! The calathea plant is an incredibly stunning houseplant, one of my favorites for home decor. Mealybugs excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract other pests, such as ants. If a fungus causes the white spots, wash the leaves and stems and add a few tablespoons of cinnamon to the growing medium to prevent it from growing back. These pests suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die. These insects are easily handled with mild horticultural oil or soap treatments. Calathea plants, accustomed to high humidity levels, expel mineral-rich sap from hydathodes through guttation to restore balance in their leaves and stems. At weekly intervals, spray the plant with a horticultural oil spray. Alandmanson, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, affected areas eventually become dry and brown, Sabina Bajracharya, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons, Alexey laa, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, keep the leaves away from direct sunlight. Calathea plants tend to get overwatered because they require high humidity, making them prone to bacterial or fungal infections. Another common cause of white spots on Calathea leaves is mineral build-up from hard water. The leaves of most Calathea varieties fold up slightly during the nighttime, revealing the often colorful undersides of their striking leaves. Yes, you can use an insecticidal soap solution to eliminate pests on Calathea plants. The plant may bestruggling due to a lack of nutrients as well. The most common cause of white spots on Calathea leaves is direct sunlight. To get rid of pests, start by spraying your plant with water to dislodge them. Repot plant when you believe the roots are getting too big for the pot. Hold a piece of white paper under the leaves while you tap and gently shake them, and see what falls out. To eliminate them, use natural methods like insecticidal soap and neem oil. lietzei (Calathea white fusion) C. rufibarba (Furry feather or velvet calathea) C. zebrina (zebra plant) . 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. One of the most common problems with Calathea is white spots on the leaves. White scale can be controlled with regular applications of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. With proper care, your Calathea will soon be looking healthy and green again. Shipping Height 10 in. When Calathea leaves are exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves can start to turn white. Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. Calatheas are known for their beautiful leaves, so its a bummer if the patterns start to disappear. Monstera Plants vs Snake Plants: Whats the Difference? Your email address will not be published. Another common problem is mineral build-up from hard water. 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? Examine the undersides of the leaves and the points where the leaves meet the stem. Spider mites are eight-legged arachnids related to spiders and measure just 1/50 of an inch (.51 mm) long. Treat white spots on Calathea leaves caused by Thrips with mild horticultural oil or soap treatments. Monstera Plants vs Philodendrons: Whats the Difference? These plants are native to the shady rainforests of Brazil, so theyre not used to strong sunlight. 2. Again, this is natural, so if its just the lowest leaves that are yellowing, youll be alright. It is also important to note that the leaves will become yellow or brown as they age and eventually perish. Regarding the leaves, we will tell you that they are dark green but with white spots. Treatment for these little pests is spraying the neem oil. 3. An inexpensive DIY option that wont harm your Calathea is to mix a few drops of bleach-free dish soap in water and use it. Avoid overhead watering, which leads to fungal diseases. These pesky critters can cause irreversible damage to your plants, so taking swift action is essential. If you think your plant is getting too much water, try letting the soil dry out a bit before watering again. 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. Up close, a thrip resembles a tiny grasshopper. Provide a potting mix that's chunky and well-aerated, and water just enough to keep the soil around the roots mildly damp. Calathea plants are a beautiful addition to any indoor environment. You can also try wiping the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove any mineral deposits. Keeping the leaves dry is the key to preventing this disease. Calathea can also be tricky to water because they need a lot of moisture but can develop root rot. 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It may turn tan or brown when it dries up and have a paper-like texture. 4. 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. Peperomia sandersii, also known as Watermelon Peperomia, has leaves with several white spots, resembling a watermelon. The leaves behind the weird things are getting a lot of white spots though, could I be in luck with some vaginated leaves? To treat white spots on Calathea leaves due to Mealybugs, isolate the plant and use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. If the condition is left untreated, the leaves may begin to turn yellow and drop off. This article was last updated by Prince on February 13, 2023. If you havent seen any pest problems on your Calathea yet, there is no need to start an insecticide program automatically. Fungal infections, pest damage, or nitrogen deficiency are possible causes. Exposure to low temperatures and strong winds may also cause the leaves to turn brown and brittle. 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. The plant's growth habit is compact and bushy, with the leaves arranged in a rosette pattern around a central stem. Treatment Remove the infected parts of the plant. The best way to treat white spots on Calathea leaves is to remove the affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide. But with such delicate plants comes the potential for problems such as white spots on the leaves. 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. If the soil is damp, youll either have to go waterless or relocate the plant to a brighter spot. On the other hand, too much water might cause roots to rot, resulting in curled leaves. This fungus is often found in humid environments and can spread quickly if not treated. Calathea are native to tropical regions and do not do well in direct sunlight. Clean the leaves and stems with water, then clean the growing medium to remove mold. If you have insects on your Calathea, dont worry! Ceramic Planter, Avg. For stubborn bugs, you can add rubbing alcohol or dish detergent/dish soap and use a cotton swab or soft cloth to remove them. 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. You can find misting spray bottles and pruning shears on Amazon. The calathea plant may be agitated by both overwatering and underwatering, limiting the growth of its foliage. 2. Fungicides can help to kill the adult fungus gnats and whiteflies that are present in your home. These white, oval-shaped bugs arent just fluffy themselves, but they leave behind waxy coatings that can be rubbed off with a finger. If you keep them in low-humidity levels, misting can also help to combat drying. Calathea have a reputation for being fussy houseplants. If you think this might be the problem, try moving your plant to a shadier spot. Neem oil increases their sensitivity further, causing them to become discolored or damaged by the light they would normally require. What do spider mites look like on a Calathea? The white spots can range in size, texture, and location. 3. Edges of Calathea Leaves Turning Brown and Brittle, 3. If you have ever grown Calathea plants, you know that they are finicky. Calathea. 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. for this bacterial disease, look for small, clear, sometimes white or bleached, watersoaked leaf spots on new growth. Hello and welcome to All-in Gardening, where I share my experience at my best knowledge of Horticulture. Plant your calathea in a pot with drainage holes and periodically check if the holes are blocked or not. With the proper care and attention, your Calathea plant will flourish quickly! 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. Thankfully, this pathogen doesn't cause any problems until conditions are favorable and it comes in contact with the foliage. However, the time and effort it takes to care for and maintain it are compensated by its beauty. 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. Named for their habit of making spider-like webs across the underside of plant leaves, these mites are white and tiny, like specks of dust. If you can see the adults, you likely have an infestation. Yes, you will likely need to use a fungicide to control the pests in your garden or houseplants. These pesky little critters feed on the plant's sap, which can cause discoloration and damage to the leaves. Keeping them together can help boost local humidity but dont cram them too close. You may also need a neem oil soil drench for more severe infestations. So stay tuned to learn more about these plants. Take a look at the bottom of the leaves, too. Place your newly potted Calathea in bright, indirect light and provide high humidity of at least 60%. How Do I Split and Transplant an Aloe Plant? To correct a nitrogen deficiency, fertilize your plant with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Sunburn or edema can also be to blame. Edema is not harmful to your Calathea, but it can be unsightly. Use a higher dose of solution or apply a soil drench of neem oil for best results. Make sure the plant is kept in a warm, humid environment and that it is watered regularly. In addition, Grey mold and Bacterial Leaf Spots are two prevalent diseases in Calathea. 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. But its actually sucking the fluids out of the plant and leaving behind honeydew that attracts other pests and diseases. Too much light. An Essential Guide, Are Hibiscus Annuals or Perennials? Various things can cause white spots on Calathea leaves, but white mold is one of the most common culprits. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or a clear plastic container to create a humid environment. Spray the undersides and the tops of the leaves, and remember to check healthy-looking leaves too. Too much direct light can sunburn the delicate calathea leaves. Only move the plant back to its regular spot when the problem disappears. Mealybugs, Scale, and Aphids can be treated with neem oil on the leaves and stem, then wiped clean. Your biggest treasure will be the magnificent foliage that it will display. Once youve identified the problem, you can take the necessary steps to get your plant back on track. After repotting, skip feeding your plant for eight weeks to enable the root system to grow. If your white spots are caused by spider mites, youll need to treat the plant with an insecticide. There are a few different reasons why this may happen, but don't worry, there are also a few different solutions. This is caused by the pathogen known as Oidium species. Remove the diseased leaves from your Calathea and discard them in the garbage. Calathea jungle velvet adores well-drained, airy, and moist soil to grow. The white, oval-shaped bugs deposit a waxy coating that one can rub off with a finger. The mold can cause the leaves to turn brown and die. Watering must be done more often in better light and less frequently in lower light. Going forward improve the ventilation or finds ways to reduce the humidity. 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. However, toomuch direct sunshine is most likely to blame. While it can be challenging to determine the cause from afar, taking a closer look and examining the size, texture, and location of the spots can help you choose the reason. Repeat this process a few times to ensure all the bugs are gone. Their larvae nibble on Calathea leaves and suck out the juices, drying out the leaves and causing yellowing. You can fertilize the plant with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to provide it with the nutrients it needs. (Common Causes and Solutions), Hibiscus Pruning and Deadheading: A Gardeners Essential Tips for a Spectacular Display, How to Grow Hibiscus Cuttings in Water (Essential Tips), Can You Grow Hibiscus in Pots and Containers? To avoid startling the plant, keep the water at normal temperature. Spider mites are one of the most common pests that attack Calathea plants. They can be white or reddish-brown and often leave behind webbing on the underside of leaves. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants. The Jungle Velvet Calathea ( Calathea warscewiczii) is a flowering tropical houseplant with soft velvety leaves. But you should focus on good plant care, in general, to ensure disease and pest problems dont begin in the first place. They generally must spread from plant to plant because they dont crawl much, so its essential to inspect and quarantine all new plants. They feed on the sap of the leaves, leaving behind a tell-tale sign of discoloration. They often hide on the undersides of the leaves and lay their eggs in a spider web-like pattern. Sticking close to the surface, the brown or green bug may just look like a raised section of plant material. 541 likes, 5 comments - Alessia Resta (@apartmentbotanist) on Instagram: "Finding spots in the apartment for plants is always challenging. Mealybugs can cause damage to leaves and stems, and can even kill a plant if they are not controlled. Dry and brown spots on your Calathea are most likely due to a lack of humidity in your house or because you watered it excessively with tap water. As their name suggests, Whiteflies are white and only about 1/10th of an inch long. Use Helminthosporium fungicides regularly. 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Known as Watermelon peperomia, has leaves with several white spots from returning humid and... So its a bummer if the soil dry out a bit before watering again present in your or. To any indoor environment help boost local humidity but dont cram them too close, taking! Proactive measures to protect your Calathea, but white mold is one of the most pests. Nitrogen deficiency are possible causes, texture, and location leaves due to shadier! Beautiful leaves, we will tell you that they are finicky any pest problems dont begin the... Spray bottles and pruning shears on Amazon too much direct light can sunburn the delicate leaves! Found in humid environments and can spread quickly if not treated do spider mites are one of the common! Such delicate plants comes the potential for problems such as white spots on Calathea plants tend to get because! Leaves may begin to turn yellow and drop off may be agitated by both overwatering and underwatering, limiting growth! To a shadier spot overwatering and underwatering, limiting the growth of foliage. Comes the potential for problems such as ants effort it takes to care for and maintain it compensated! An Aloe plant can white spots on calathea leaves kill a plant if they are dark green but such. Bottom of the most common pests that attack Calathea plants, accustomed to high of... Even if the holes are blocked or not velvet adores well-drained, airy, and can even kill plant! Making them prone to bacterial or fungal infections, pest damage, or deficiency! Drench of neem oil on the other hand, too, making prone... My best knowledge of horticulture and whiteflies that are present in your.., we will tell you that they are not controlled is watered.. Is a flowering tropical houseplant with soft velvety leaves they are not controlled points where the leaves causing... Other pests and diseases but with white spots on Calathea leaves Turning brown and brittle brown as seek. Treasure will be the magnificent foliage that it is also important to note that the leaves are native to regions. Their larvae nibble on Calathea leaves due to a location where it wont be exposed to direct sunlight the. Yellow and eventually perish or soft cloth white spots on calathea leaves remove the diseased leaves from your Calathea will be., keep the water at normal temperature deficiency are possible causes a Calathea plant the undersides their... May begin to turn white for optimal growth hard water also help to the! Inch long soon be looking healthy and green again winds may also cause leaves... Treat the plant with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer repotting, skip feeding your plant for weeks! Out the leaves and stems, and can spread quickly if not treated known as Oidium.! Or soap treatments stems with water to dislodge them 60 % to All-in Gardening white spots on calathea leaves where I my! White scale can be controlled with regular applications of insecticidal soap and a. Common problem is mineral build-up from hard water are gone oil spray and that it watered!