How did my plant get spider mites?

Spider mites can travel on clothing, through open windows, or arrive on new plants. They thrive in dry, stagnant air.

Should I throw the plant away?

Not unless the infestation is extremely advanced. Most Pinstripe Calatheas recover well with consistent cleaning and treatment.

Pinstripe Calathea: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely at the undersides of the leaves for tiny moving specks.
Check for fine, dusty webs between the leaf stems.
Isolate the plant from your other houseplants immediately.

Likely causes

Spider mites
Most likely
How to tell: You see tiny yellow stippling on the leaves and fine webbing between stems.
What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites. Follow up by spraying the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days until they are gone.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your pinstripe calathea

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If you see heavy webbing or the leaves are turning yellow and falling off, the infestation is severe and needs aggressive treatment.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the humidity high and wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth every few weeks to discourage mites from settling in.

Pinstripe Calathea: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your pinstripe calathea and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

How did my plant get spider mites?: Spider mites can travel on clothing, through open windows, or arrive on new plants. They thrive in dry, stagnant air.
Should I throw the plant away?: Not unless the infestation is extremely advanced. Most Pinstripe Calatheas recover well with consistent cleaning and treatment.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

Why does my Pinstripe Calathea have tiny spots and webs?