Bacterial Infection In Calathea

Question

Hi, I have a lovely little calathea that seems healthy but has a proliferating number of dry, papery brown spots on its leaves. I thought these spots were fungal, because my houseplants were previously affected by what I thought was rust, brought in by a shop-bought spring hyacinth My reason for assuming fungal infection is that small hair-like fibres can be seen on leaves and stems. The calathea had that too at one point. But these brown spots are different and have dark centres with yellow rims. Can you help me find a suitable natural solution to help bring my plant back to better health? If I have to take off affected leaves, I’d have no plant left as all have some spots and I don’t want to shock the plant by radical pruning I’ve recently sprayed it with a solution of neem oil and horticultural soap, but this seems to have made it worse. Thanks

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Answer 1

You can remove the two leaves that have the worst spots. Calathea have specific needs to keep them healthy. They need high humidity, moist soil, low light, and watering with distilled water or collected rain water. These articles give more tips that should help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/calathea-plants/peacock-plant-care.htm

https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/houseplant-diseases-disorders/

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/advanced-houseplants.htm