Calathea makoyana White Cottony Spots - Causes & Fixes

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Mealybugs

Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that secrete a white, waxy substance to protect themselves, appearing as cottony tufts in the crevices of Calathea leaves and stems. They suck sap from the plant, which can lead to leaf yellowing and stunted growth.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to dab the spots; if they dissolve and turn brown, it is likely mealybugs.

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1 Isolate the plant immediately to prevent the mealybugs from spreading to your other houseplants.

2 Treat the infestation by spraying the plant with an organic insecticide to eliminate the insects and their waxy coating.

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3 Gently wipe away visible white cottony clusters using a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to kill the pests on contact.

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Cottony Scale

Similar to mealybugs, scale insects can produce a white, fluffy coating on the undersides of Calathea leaves. They attach themselves to the plant tissue and feed on nutrients, often leaving behind a sticky residue known as honeydew.

Common

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How to confirm: Check for small, bump-like protrusions under the leaves that are partially covered by white fuzz.

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1 Isolate the plant immediately to prevent the spread of scale insects to other houseplants.

2 Gently wipe the white cottony spots and leaves with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to kill the insects on contact.

3 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the entire plant, ensuring you cover the undersides of the leaves where scale resides.

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Powdery Mildew

This fungal disease manifests as a white, powdery coating on the leaf surface, often appearing in humid conditions. While Calatheas prefer high humidity, stagnant air can allow this fungus to thrive and disrupt photosynthesis.

Common

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How to confirm: Observe if the white spots look more like dust that can be wiped off the surface rather than 3D cottony clumps.

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1 Treat the affected leaves immediately with an organic fungicide to stop the spread of the powdery mildew.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Improve air circulation around the plant by using a small fan or spacing it away from other plants to prevent stagnant air.

3 Prune and discard any heavily infected leaves to reduce the fungal load in your environment.