Move it to a location where it wont be exposed to temperatures below 55F. As their name suggests, Whiteflies are white and only about 1/10th of an inch long. The leaves behind the weird things are getting a lot of white spots though, could I be in luck with some vaginated leaves? By moving the plant to a shadier spot and increasing the water, you can help your Calathea plant recover from sunburn. If you give the calathea what it needs, it will never let you down. Spider mites are extra small pests that are hard to spot until it's almost too late. Treat white spots on Calathea leaves caused by Thrips with mild horticultural oil or soap treatments. Locate your plant in a more shady location. To get rid of pests, start by spraying your plant with water to dislodge them. Chose a spot with ambient sunlight; a north-facing window can help. 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. For nutrient deficiencies, fertilize the plant with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Moreover, they close their leaves during nighttime and open them up during the day. Then the spot turns dark green and finally black. We are a floristry, plant, and lifestyle city resource curated by a passionate team of horticulturists, floral & plant enthusiasts, budding designers, and intrepid urban gardeners. Do not put your plant in the way of heating and cooling vents or a drafty region. Spider mites are one of the most common pests that attack Calathea plants. How Do I Split and Transplant an Aloe Plant? It could be due to a nutrient deficiency. Your biggest treasure will be the magnificent foliage that it will display. Calathea plants are less likely than many other houseplants to attract pests, especially when raised indoors. (Essential Tips). Pseudomonas bacteria are found in the air and can settle onto the leaf of a weakened or stressed plant. Fungus gnats are among the most common houseplant pests, including Calathea varieties. 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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? There are a few things that you can do to get rid of spider mites on your Calathea plant. For optimal growth, it needs at least 8-10 hours of bright, indirect light. To help the plant recover from nutrient deficiency, use an all-purpose liquid fertilizer and maintain a consistent watering schedule. You must be persistent and thorough with your treatment plan to eliminate the mites. There are a few things you can do to get rid of them. Monstera Plants vs Philodendrons: Whats the Difference? Your Calathea will likely spend at least 1-2 months growing new, healthy roots before producing any new foliage. If you think your plant is getting too much water, try letting the soil dry out a bit before watering again. The affected areas eventually become dry and brown. If the soil is damp, youll either have to go waterless or relocate the plant to a brighter spot. If you disturb the plant, these little flies tend to take off like fluttering snowflakes. In this article, we will discuss six different causes of white spots on Calathea leaves and how to fix them. 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This evergreen perennial plant thrives indoors with minimal care. It's similar to the problem above in some ways because the mess seems to cluster around the primary vein of the leaf, rather than all over or in random places. 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. Discover more on:Calathea Orbifolia: Ultimate Care Guide, Tips and FAQs. 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. With their white webs that stretch over the stems, they are mostly found on the undersides of the leaves. 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. Quarantine the plant to prevent mites from spreading to other houseplants, and be prepared to battle the bugs for at least a few weeks. When Calathea leaves are exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves can start to turn white. The intricately detailed patterns on their foliage truly make them stand out. To correct a nitrogen deficiency, fertilize your plant with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Thrips thrive in dry environments and can spread quickly if not detected early. With a little troubleshooting, you should be able to get rid of those white spots on your Calathea leaves in no time! How to treat white spots on Calathea leaves? Two types of water spots. Powdery Mildew One distinct thing you'll observe with calathea leaves infected with powdery mildew is the presence of a powdery white texture. They can also be found on stems and in the crevices of leaves. A moist environment aids the growth and multiplication of infections. Calatheas are known for their beautiful leaves, so its a bummer if the patterns start to disappear. 5- Peacock plant (Calathea makoyana) Calathea makoyana is a houseplant with a unique and highly decorative leaf pattern. Powdery mildew is a type of fungus that can affect Calathea leaves, causing them to develop white spots. When calathea leaves receive full sunshine, the chlorophyll takes control, and the distinctively dark and light patterns on the leaves soften and fade. Yes, the white spots could be indicative of a nutrient deficiency. Use a humidifier to increase humidity levels. They are small, white, wingless insects that feed on the sap of plants. If this is the case, youll need to treat the plant with a fungicide. Do you have white spots on your Calathea leaves? With proper care, your Calathea will soon be looking healthy and green again. Edema is a condition that causes the leaves of a Calathea to appear blistered. Your email address will not be published. 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); If your white spots are caused by spider mites, youll need to treat the plant with an insecticide. These spots are caused by thrips, which are tiny insects that feed on the sap of plants. Repot plant when you believe the roots are getting too big for the pot. It is as if it were a variegated calathea. Mealybugs: These cottony-looking little beetles prefer to hide in the cracks of leaves and stems, draining the life out of your Calathea. There may be a harsh or brittle feel to the leaves, and the margins of the leaves may split when stroked. Unfortunately, this is a very generic symptom. How can I prevent white spots on Calathea leaves? A healthy Calathea turns its leaves gently to collect ambient sunlight, whereas a sick Calathea curls its leaves firmly to indicate concern. Use pots with drainage holes to prevent overwatering. Take a look at the bottom of the leaves, too. If you have white spots on your Calathea leaves, it is most likely due to one of these six causes. If you think overfeeding is the problem, cleanse the soil by letting some water run through it for a few minutes. The type of calathea plant you have can also determine how fast it will grow. If you have ever grown Calathea plants, you know that they are finicky. Be sure to follow the directions on the label and apply the product when the temperature is cool, such as in the evening. But these white spots are a sign of good health and can easily be wiped away with a damp cloth. When the roots of your Calathea have grown too large to fit inside their pot, they might get congested and confined, preventing them from getting enough nutrients and water. Better known as rattlesnake plants or prayer plants, Calathea is a genus of tropical houseplants grown worldwide. This will kill most insects on contact. The most crucial factors in keeping your Calathea's leaves happy are proper soil and proper sun. If the sunburn is severe, the leaves may turn brown and eventually die. These plants already prefer low light levels. It could be a sign of spider mites! Use pruning shears to remove dead or dying leaves, and disinfect the blades between snips. If you have Calathea in your home, you may have noticed small white spots on the leaves. If you think this might be the problem, try moving your plant to a shadier spot. If you have white spots on your Calathea leaves, its likely due to a pest infestation. How to fix Place Calathea indoors during cold winter and hot summer months to keep it at an ideal temperature with the help of a heater and air-conditioning. Aerate the soil to ensure that the water reaches the roots. 2. Another is to apply a pesticide that is specifically designed to kill spider mites. However, if the spots are large and brown, they could be a sign of a fungal infection. Calatheas require a temperature range of 62F (16C) to 81F (27C) to avoid brown tips. 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. On the other hand, too much water might cause roots to rot, resulting in curled leaves. We will discuss all the possible problems, their causes, and solutions. Its location must be out of any strong winds from doors or windows. It would be best to keep in mind that they should not be kept in a very dark room. If you have calathea in your home, you may have noticed small white spots on the leaves. Water it deeply before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn. Pesticides and insecticides help protect your houseplant when nothing else will work. 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. Once a month, use a diluted regular houseplant fertilizer. Calathea often struggles indoors because we tend to keep our homes around 40% ambient humidity. Move your Calathea to a warmer place, away from other sources of unexpected temperature swings. Limit the amount of time your calathea plant is exposed to direct sunlight to 2 to 6 hours every day. What do spider mites look like on a Calathea? Why do my calatheas have yellow spots. They can be found in the crevices of leaves and stems, and they excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. The most common pests that attack Calathea are mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. To ensure your plant remains healthy, keep an eye out for fine filaments on the leaves, which indicate the presence of Thrips. The leaves can grow up to 6 inches long and 3 inches wide, making it an attractive focal point for a table or shelf. Peperomia sandersii, also known as Watermelon Peperomia, has leaves with several white spots, resembling a watermelon. To avoid startling the plant, keep the water at normal temperature. Its likely due to a nutrient deficiency! Hence, it can also lead to dry and brown lesions or spots. Be sure to water your plant regularly, as a lack of water can also cause a nitrogen deficiency. Calathea thrives in strong, indirect light, and harsh rays from direct sunlight for a prolonged time causes indications of sunburn and shock. Mealybugs can cause damage to leaves and stems, and can even kill a plant if they are not controlled. 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. Thoroughly clean the leaves undersides, and apply the soap/oil to all of the leaves according to the instructions on the packaging. Yellowing leaves is the classic sign of overwatering, and it's a common cause of Calathea leaves turning yellow. Youll also want to consider repotting your calathea plant if theres any evidence of root rot or decay in the soil base. Leave the jug of water overnight before watering and it should resolve the issue. Examine the undersides of the leaves and the points where the leaves meet the stem. 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. (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? Provide a potting mix that's chunky and well-aerated, and water just enough to keep the soil around the roots mildly damp. Check the soil every day or two, and keep the soil consistently moist. 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. The yellowing of the plants core is considered more dangerous than external discoloration. Its recommended for treating spider mites in particular by many sources, but it can be too photosensitizing for Calathea. Calathea grows well in aerated soil with a pH of 6.5. Those from when the extreme light hits the water on the leaf and magnifies the light, cause your plant to burn. By having good watering practices and never allowing your Calathea soil to completely dry out, you will avoid those ugly crispy and brown leaves. Sticking close to the surface, the brown or green bug may just look like a raised section of plant material. Calathea plants, on the other hand, normally only reach a height of around 2 feet and then stop. Water your plant once a week or water when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry. After about five minutes, turn off the water and allow the soil to fully drain and then empty any additional water from the catch tray and place back in its normally growing location. When I went on to google what it was, one pest that seems to leave a sticky residue was the scale bug. While these colorful and boldly patterned plants are generally easy to grow, they can attract a few pests. An excess of minerals in the water supply is also another typical cause of unhealthy and curled Calatheas. They puncture the tissues and suck the moisture out. Some diseases interfere with their growth and may require treatment. 1 Drooping calathea leaves have similar reasons to curling of the leaves. By the time the webbing is easily visible to the naked eye, you have a serious mite problem on your hands. One of the most common causes of white spots on Calathea leaves is direct sunlight. These pests suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die. To prevent thrips from infesting your calathea, its important to keep the plant healthy. Mealybugs are most often found on the undersides of leaves, where they suck the sap from the plant. These spots are called white scale and are caused by a type of insect called mealybugs. This is entirely natural since the leaves fold up at night and unfurl throughout the day. 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