How to get rid of spider mite on calathea? - briefly
Use a vigorous spray of water to knock mites off the foliage, then apply a neem‑oil spray or labeled acaricide, repeating every 5–7 days until cleared. Maintain high humidity and inspect leaves frequently to stop a recurrence.
How to get rid of spider mite on calathea? - in detail
Spider mites quickly colonize calathea leaves, causing stippling, yellowing, and leaf drop. Early detection prevents severe damage. Inspect the undersides of foliage daily; tiny moving dots or fine webbing indicate infestation.
Control measures fall into three categories: cultural, mechanical, and chemical.
- Increase humidity: Mites thrive in dry air. Mist the plant twice daily or place a humidifier nearby to maintain 60‑70 % relative humidity.
- Adjust watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Over‑ or under‑watering stresses the plant and encourages pests.
- Improve air circulation: Gentle breezes disrupt mite movement. Use a fan on low speed, keeping it at least 30 cm away from foliage.
Mechanical actions remove pests directly.
- Rinse leaves: Submerge the plant in lukewarm water for 5‑10 minutes, gently agitating to dislodge mites and webs. Repeat every 2‑3 days for two weeks.
- Prune heavily infested shoots: Cut away severely damaged leaves with sterilized scissors, disposing of them far from the growing area.
Chemical options apply when cultural and mechanical steps are insufficient.
- Insecticidal soap: Mix according to label (typically 2‑5 % active ingredient). Spray both sides of each leaf until runoff, covering the plant every 5‑7 days for three applications.
- Neem oil: Dilute 1‑2 % in water, add a few drops of mild detergent for adhesion, and apply similarly to soap. Neem disrupts mite feeding and reproduction.
- Miticide: For severe outbreaks, select a product containing abamectin or spirodiclofen. Follow label restrictions, limiting use to no more than three treatments per season.
Preventive practices sustain a healthy calathea and reduce future infestations.
- Quarantine new acquisitions: Isolate any new plant for at least two weeks, inspecting for mites before introducing it to the collection.
- Clean the growing area: Remove fallen debris and dust, which can harbor eggs.
- Monitor regularly: Keep a log of humidity levels, watering schedule, and visual checks to catch re‑infestations early.
By integrating humidity management, thorough leaf washing, targeted sprays, and vigilant monitoring, spider mite populations can be eliminated and calathea health restored.