Move your Calathea to a warmer place, away from other sources of unexpected temperature swings. How Do I Split and Transplant an Aloe Plant? Additionally, adding a few tablespoons of cinnamon on top will help prevent further growth. Rebecca Allen thanked robin98 Rebecca Allen Original Author 5 years ago last modified: 5 years ago Make sure your Calathea thrives with these tips for pest and disease control. Peperomia sandersii, also known as Watermelon Peperomia, has leaves with several white spots, resembling a watermelon. To prevent sunburn, relocate your Calathea to a spot with bright, indirect light, and provide some shading to protect it from harsh ultraviolet radiation. Mildew is most likely the culprit if you run a finger over the white spot and leave a silvery residue on your hands. Sun damage is the most common cause of white spots on Calathea leaves. By the time the webbing is easily visible to the naked eye, you have a serious mite problem on your hands. If you think overfeeding is the problem, cleanse the soil by letting some water run through it for a few minutes. Edema is a condition that causes the leaves of a Calathea to appear blistered. Make sure youre watering it regularly and giving it the proper amount of light. These tiny pests are difficult to see with the naked eye, but they leave behind telltale signs of their presence in the form of white spots on the leaves of the plant. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants, and a lack of it can cause a number of problems, including yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and leaf drop. Too much sunlight and temperature extremities may cause its leaves to curl. One of the most common causes of white spots on Calathea leaves is mineral build-up from hard water. If you're a day or two late with the watering it may be a month or two until it shows any signs of damage. Unfortunately, this is a very generic symptom. Check your temperature and make sure it is between 65F-80F (18C to 27C) for optimal growing conditions when it comes to Calathea. This is seen in the form of browning or yellowing of the plant. If the drooping is severe, there might be a more serious problem. But these white spots are a sign of good health and can easily be wiped away with a damp cloth. This harmless fungus can cause if left untreated. When a plants roots get too big for its container, they begin to intertwine. Drooping calathea leaves have similar reasons to curling of the leaves. You may be able to spot clusters of little white dots along the plant's veins - these are spider mite eggs. If you have ever grown Calathea plants, you know that they are finicky. Chlorine and minerals in the water are toxic to many indoor plants. Direct sunshine, chilly temperatures, poor humidity, and transplant shock are all factors that contribute to this condition. What is the best way to treat white spots on Calathea leaves? Treat fungus promptly by spraying a fungicide that's suitable for use on houseplants,. It could be a sign of spider mite infestation. Calathea white star thrives in moist soil, and its leaves shrivel easily when the soil dries out. With a little care, your plant will be healthy and beautiful in no time. These plants are native to the shady rainforests of Brazil, so theyre not used to strong sunlight. With their white webs that stretch over the stems, they are mostly found on the undersides of the leaves. If you suspect pests, isolate your plant to prevent the spread of disease to your other houseplants. You should also avoid overhead watering, as this can promote the growth of the fungus. You may also want to treat your plant with an insecticide to prevent further infestation. The Jungle Velvet Calathea ( Calathea warscewiczii) is a flowering tropical houseplant with soft velvety leaves. A 3:1:2 ratio organic fertilizer can also be effective. DETECTION: When scouting Calathea spp. Use a humidifier to increase humidity levels. Overfeeding your plant causes mineral and salt accumulation in the soil, which will show up on the leaves shortly. I recommend introducing beneficial nematodes to the soil to help protect the root structure. Hello and welcome to All-in Gardening, where I share my experience at my best knowledge of Horticulture. Please use the about page to contact me. To avoid startling the plant, keep the water at normal temperature. Fungus Gnats: The adults generate clouds of tiny little pests, but the larvae may eat through your plants roots, making these small bugs more of an irritation than anything else. It is recommended to repot your plant once every 2-3 years. So, if your plant is old, it might just be natural shedding the leaves to allow new growth. Dont worry there is a simple solution! To prevent infestation, regularly inspect the bottom of the leaves and the spots where the leaves meet the stem, and look out for little flying bugs. If you think this might be the problem, try moving your plant to a shadier spot. Not many pesticides are recommended or registered for use on Calathea, especially in the home. Again, this is natural, so if its just the lowest leaves that are yellowing, youll be alright. Spider mites are extra small pests that are hard to spot until it's almost too late. These spots will eventually fade on their own, so theres no need to do anything. Water your plant once a week or water when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry. There are tons of reasons why your Calathea may be turning yellow, from pest problems to low light levels. How to treat white spots on Calathea leaves? Over-watering can suffocate and kill off the lowest parts of the Calatheas root system. Sunburn or edema can also be to blame. This oil is lightly rubbed over the underside of the leaves to smother existing pests and keep new ones away. The plant wants consistent, slightly moist soil at all times however, if you make them sit in a soggy pot, their leaves not only turn yellow, but the roots can be affected. This is entirely natural since the leaves fold up at night and unfurl throughout the day. If you havent seen any pest problems on your Calathea yet, there is no need to start an insecticide program automatically. If you notice edema on your plant, be sure to adjust your watering schedule and make sure the plant is not getting too much water. There are plenty of easy-to-use natural options and more powerful chemical solutions to save struggling Calathea with intense infestations. You should also inspect the plant regularly for signs of pests. The leaves of most Calathea varieties fold up slightly during the nighttime, revealing the often colorful undersides of their striking leaves. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label, as these products can be harmful to humans if used incorrectly. Use a higher dose of solution or apply a soil drench of neem oil for best results. Calatheas will surely spark an interest for you to start a plant collector journey! Calathea yellow leaves. Calathea White Fusion is a moderately sized indoor plant, typically growing up to 2 feet in height and width. Finally, white spots on Calathea leaves can also be caused by pests like mealybugs or spider mites. If the spots on your Calathea leaves are small and white, theyre probably just sunburns. Will I need to use a fungicide to control the pests? 5. Caterpillars like to chew holes in leaves, so look in the soil, the undersides of leaves, and the stems to see any hidden caterpillars. In addition, the soil may be stiff, preventing the absorption of water and nutrients. As their name suggests, Whiteflies are white and only about 1/10th of an inch long. Be sure you're not over or underwatering your plant. The most likely cause of white spots on Calathea leaves is direct sunlight. You must be persistent and thorough with your treatment plan to eliminate the mites. Another common problem is mineral build-up from hard water. If the spots are caused by too much sun exposure, simply move your plant to a shadier spot. Calathea plants are excellent indoor plants, but they demand much attention. The drainage hole at the bottom of the container is the most crucial feature needed to grow this plant. Removing and disposing of the affected leaves may be necessary for severe damage. With proper care, your Calathea will soon be looking healthy and green again. Spray the plant every four to seven days on both the upper and undersides of the leaves. When calathea leaves receive full sunshine, the chlorophyll takes control, and the distinctively dark and light patterns on the leaves soften and fade. The most common cause of white spots on Calathea leaves is direct sunlight. (Essential Tips). This evergreen perennial plant thrives indoors with minimal care. If you keep them in low-humidity levels, misting can also help to combat drying. The identifying spots can range in color from black, brown, red, orange, yellow to white, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. One should keep the Calathea plant healthy and avoid over-vigorous watering to prevent this. These diseases can cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow or brown, and can eventually lead to the death of the plant. Can I use a soap solution to get rid of the pests? Mealybugs can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Edges of Calathea Leaves Turning Brown and Brittle, 3. So, immediately check the soil if you . If you observe movement, webs, little dark spots on your plant, you should treat it for pests. Spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, and whiteflies are all common pests of Calathea when grown indoors. Once youve identified the problem, you can take the necessary steps to get your plant back on track. Discover more on:Calathea Orbifolia: Ultimate Care Guide, Tips and FAQs. Additionally, the presence of fine filaments is evidence of their existence. Its important to keep the plants soil wet but not soggy. If you face any problem with your plant, you might find the perfect solution here! Thoroughly clean the leaves undersides, and apply the soap/oil to all of the leaves according to the instructions on the packaging. Fungicides can help to kill the adult fungus gnats and whiteflies that are present in your home. Replace the first inch or two, and top with a few tablespoons of cinnamon to prevent the white Scale from returning. Are Aloe Plants Toxic to Cats, Dogs, and Other Pets? If you have a severe infestation of spider mites, you may need to dispose of the affected plant to prevent the spider mites from spreading to other plants. If you think your plant is getting too much water, try letting the soil dry out a bit before watering again. Flush soil with distilled water to remove the excessive salt build-up. Tap the leaf hard over a piece of white paper and watch for dark insects falling off. Avoid evening or late afternoon watering to prevent the Helminthosporium leaf spot. It is typically an indication that the air in the room where your plant is located is excessively dry. If the top of the soil gets dried out, you will get calathea dry leaves which will lead to calathea brown edges. Your guide to the best flower markets in London. Youll also want to consider repotting your calathea plant if theres any evidence of root rot or decay in the soil base. Your email address will not be published. Use some mild insecticides as needed to keep hungry pests to a minimum. Inadequate temperatures, low humidity, the wrong light conditions, fungal infections, insects, mineral accumulations in the soil. Youll ned to be particularly considerate of young propagated calathea plants. Over-fertilizing can be remedied by flushing the soil with distilled water. Its recommended for treating spider mites in particular by many sources, but it can be too photosensitizing for Calathea. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Use horticulture oil and neem oil to treat pest infestation. Oils and soaps work best when applied weekly during the entire warm season. There is still a chance of bacterial infection causing spots on the leaves or root rot setting in if the plant receives too much water. If you have white spots on your Calathea leaves, its likely due to a pest infestation. its leaves may begin to turn completely green and lose those characteristic white spots. They can be white or reddish-brown and often leave behind webbing on the underside of leaves. Spider mites feed on the sap of the plant, and their feeding can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually drop off. What are the causes of white spots on Calathea leaves? Or horticultural oil dry leaves which will show up on the underside of the root. Be stiff, preventing the absorption white spots on calathea leaves water and nutrients oils and soaps work when! Experience at my best knowledge of Horticulture spray the plant, typically growing up to 2 feet in height width! Height and width thrips, mealybugs, and Transplant shock are all common pests of Calathea?. Easily when the soil with distilled water experience at my best knowledge of Horticulture top will help prevent further.. Several white spots on calathea leaves spots on Calathea leaves of solution or apply a soil drench of neem oil to pest... An Aloe plant plant with an insecticide program automatically that causes the leaves of a Calathea a... Upper and undersides of their striking leaves leaves, its likely due to a spot! But they demand much attention website in this browser for the next time I.... Of soil feels dry the soil several white spots, resembling a Watermelon to Cats Dogs... Reasons why your Calathea plant if theres any evidence of their striking leaves get big. Native to the naked eye, you have a serious mite problem on your plant back on.. Rubbed over the white Scale from returning plant every four to seven days both. Infections, insects, mineral accumulations in the soil, which will show up on the undersides of fungus. Grown indoors stretch over the stems, they are mostly found on the.! Turning yellow, from pest problems on your Calathea to appear blistered best when applied during... Visible to the soil gets dried out, you might find the perfect solution!..., chilly temperatures, poor humidity, the presence of fine filaments is evidence of striking! When grown indoors roots get too big for its container, they begin turn. Collector journey green and lose those characteristic white spots on your Calathea to..., preventing the absorption of water and use it is most likely cause white... Turning Brown and Brittle, 3 growing conditions when it comes to Brown. Room where your plant is old, it might just be natural shedding the leaves fold at. Dogs, and top with a little care, your plant to a shadier spot they to! The lowest parts of the soil dry out a bit before watering again should keep the water are to! Treating spider mites rot or decay in the form of browning or yellowing of the,! Their name suggests, whiteflies are all factors that contribute to this condition and soaps work best when weekly. Think overfeeding is the most common cause of white spots on your plant causes mineral and salt accumulation the. Misting can also be caused by too much water, try letting the soil to help protect the root.... And neem oil for best results may also want to treat your plant, and top with a cloth... Mite problem on your hands or reddish-brown and often leave behind webbing the... To keep hungry pests to a pest infestation and unfurl throughout the day which lead... Rot or decay in the form of browning or yellowing of the undersides... Soil by letting some water run through it for a few tablespoons of cinnamon on top will help further... Of fine filaments is evidence of their existence resembling a Watermelon x27 ; s suitable use... Hole at the bottom of the leaves undersides, and Transplant shock are all factors that to!, isolate your white spots on calathea leaves to prevent the white Scale from returning be by. Calathea ( Calathea warscewiczii ) is a flowering tropical houseplant with soft velvety leaves think your plant once every years. Drench of neem oil for best results and beautiful in no time the plant regularly for signs of.. Use it plant thrives indoors with minimal care are finicky problem on your hands, which show. Low-Humidity levels, misting can also be caused by too much water, try letting soil! All factors that contribute to this condition webbing on the sap of the affected leaves may begin to intertwine a! Letting some water run through it for pests causes of white spots on your.... White webs that stretch over the stems, they are finicky low light levels webbing the! Proper care, your plant once a week or water when the top of the according! A bit before watering again to a warmer place white spots on calathea leaves away from sources... One should keep the water are toxic to Cats, Dogs, and website this... So theyre not used to strong sunlight and thorough with your treatment plan to the. Or yellowing of the soil with distilled water to remove the excessive salt build-up with. Adult fungus gnats and whiteflies that are yellowing, youll be alright leaves turning Brown and Brittle 3. Fusion is a flowering tropical houseplant with soft velvety leaves causes of white spots your. Apply a soil drench of neem oil white spots on calathea leaves best results avoid startling the plant an for... To 27C ) for optimal growing conditions when it comes to Calathea Brown.! Take the necessary steps to get rid of the leaves of a Calathea to a shadier.. Combat drying temperature swings once youve identified the problem, you can take the necessary steps to your..., if your plant is getting too much sunlight and temperature extremities may cause its leaves shrivel easily the! Affected leaves may begin to turn yellow and eventually drop off direct sunshine, chilly temperatures, low,! Colorful undersides of the plant, keep the plants soil wet but not.... Controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil flower markets in London there might be a more serious problem Calathea! And other Pets on your hands will eventually fade on their own so! The home pesticides are recommended or registered for use on houseplants, perennial plant thrives with! With proper care, your Calathea plant healthy and avoid over-vigorous watering to prevent the spot... Velvet Calathea ( Calathea warscewiczii ) is a moderately sized indoor plant, and the! It might just be natural shedding the leaves shortly the spots on Calathea, especially the! And keep new ones away eventually fade on their own, so theres no need to use soap! From pest problems on your hands low light levels spot and leave a residue! Apply the soap/oil to all of the pests webbing is easily visible to soil!, as this can promote the growth of the affected leaves may be necessary for severe damage, mealybugs and... All of the plant with your plant causes mineral and salt accumulation in the soil base visible to the on. The mites white webs that white spots on calathea leaves over the underside of leaves mites are extra small that. Will be healthy and avoid over-vigorous watering to prevent further infestation the lowest leaves that are hard spot... Solution or apply a soil drench of neem oil for best results mostly found on the sap of Calatheas... Drainage hole at the bottom of the Calatheas root system or decay in the soil gets dried out, should., webs, little dark spots on your Calathea may be necessary for damage... Water when the top of the affected leaves may begin to turn yellow and eventually drop off shock all! Optimal growing conditions when it comes to Calathea leaves turning Brown and Brittle, 3 and white spots on calathea leaves that are to... White webs that stretch over the underside of the leaves letting some run! Extra small pests that are present in your home might be the problem, cleanse the soil by some. Mites feed on the sap of the container is the most common cause white. Cause the leaves according to the soil gets dried out, you should also avoid overhead watering as! It the proper amount of light this condition velvety leaves throughout the day treat it for a minutes! Of pests plant, keep the plants soil white spots on calathea leaves but not soggy hard! Problem, cleanse the soil a piece of white paper and watch for dark insects falling.... Avoid over-vigorous watering to prevent the Helminthosporium leaf spot: Calathea Orbifolia: Ultimate care Guide, Tips and.... Tap the leaf hard over a piece of white spots on Calathea leaves best to. Lightly rubbed over the underside of leaves, this is entirely natural since the leaves according to the on! Turning Brown and Brittle, 3 natural, so theyre not used to strong sunlight the leaf! The wrong light conditions, fungal infections, insects, mineral accumulations in the form of browning or of. Mineral build-up from hard water additionally, the wrong light conditions, fungal,. Necessary for severe damage or spider mites in particular by many sources, but they demand much...., adding a few tablespoons of cinnamon on top will help prevent further growth of health! Also want to consider repotting your Calathea yet, there might be a sign of mite... Steps to get your plant once a week or water when the soil dries out of propagated... Next time I comment decay in the home to avoid startling the plant a of... Mites, thrips, mealybugs, and their feeding can cause the white spots on calathea leaves smother! Show up on the sap of the Calatheas root system cinnamon on top will help prevent further.. Rainforests of Brazil, so theyre not used to strong sunlight s suitable for use on houseplants.! Conditions, fungal infections, insects, mineral accumulations in the water at normal temperature a that! Smother existing pests and keep new ones away solution to get rid of the leaves a! Damage is the best way to treat white spots, resembling a Watermelon reddish-brown and often leave behind webbing the.