Can I just wash the plant in the shower?

Yes, a gentle shower is a great way to knock off a large number of mites. Make sure to cover the soil with a plastic bag so you do not overwater it.

Are spider mites contagious to my other plants?

Yes, they can crawl or be carried by air currents to nearby plants. Isolate your Cobra Calathea until you are sure the mites are gone.

Calathea 'Cobra': pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves with a flashlight.
Look for fine, silk like webbing near the leaf stems.
Wipe the leaves with a damp paper towel to see if any tiny specks move.

Likely causes

Dry Air
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks dusty and you see tiny webs connecting the leaves.
What to do: Increase the humidity immediately and wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to treat the infestation once a week for 3 weeks.
Poor Air Circulation
Possible
How to tell: Pests seem to return quickly even after cleaning.
What to do: Ensure the plant has some gentle airflow around it, but keep it away from direct drafts. Regularly dusting the leaves helps keep the plant healthy and less attractive to mites.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your calathea 'cobra'

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 the leaves are heavily webbed and turning yellow, the infestation is severe. Act quickly to save the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep humidity high and wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust and potential pests.

Calathea 'Cobra': pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your calathea 'cobra' 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

Can I just wash the plant in the shower?: Yes, a gentle shower is a great way to knock off a large number of mites. Make sure to cover the soil with a plastic bag so you do not overwater it.
Are spider mites contagious to my other plants?: Yes, they can crawl or be carried by air currents to nearby plants. Isolate your Cobra Calathea until you are sure the mites are gone.

Why does my Cobra Calathea have spider mites?