Why Is My Calathea Dying & How to Save It
Calathea plants are highly regarded for their striking, patterned leaves but are also known for being somewhat delicate and demanding in care. If your Calathea is struggling, don’t lose hope! With the right knowledge of Calatheas care, you can turn things around. Follow our guide and explore how to save a dying Calathea plant.
Signs Your Calathea Is Dying
Before attempting to revive your Calathea, it's crucial to recognize the signs of distress. Common indicators of a struggling plant include:
- Drooping Leaves
- Crispy, Brown Edges
- Yellowing Leaves
- Curling Leaves
- Root Rot
- Leaf Spotting
How to Revive My Calatheas
Calatheas are sensitive plants, and any signs of poor health usually point to issues with their essential needs, such as light, watering, or humidity. It’s crucial to address each of these factors individually to restore your plant's vitality.
Light
Like most houseplants, Calatheasgrow best in bright, indirect sunlight. When they don’t get enough light, they can struggle with photosynthesis, leading to symptoms like wilting or drooping leaves. To help your plant recover, try moving it to a brighter location. In spaces with limited natural light, supplement with LED grow lights to keep the necessary light for healthy growth.
On the other hand, too much direct sunlight can scorch your Calathea plants, leading to curled leaves and unsightly brown spots. While placing your plant near a sunny window or in a bright room is beneficial, it's important to use sheer curtains or blinds to filter the light.
Water
Calatheas prefer consistently moist soil, but it should never be soggy. Underwatering can lead to stress, resulting in yellowing leaves or crispy brown edges. If you notice these symptoms, water your plant immediately to ensure the soil is evenly saturated. Afterward, adjust your watering routine to prevent further issues. A simple way is to insert your finger about an inch into the soil—if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
On the flip side, overwatering can be equally detrimental. Excess moisture can cause yellowing leaves and, in severe cases, root rot. If you suspect overwatering, refrain from watering until the soil dries out. If root rot has already set in, you’ll need to trim away the damaged roots and repot your Calathea in fresh, well-draining soil using a pot with drainage holes.
Humidity and Temperature
As a tropical plant, Calatheas flourish in high humidity, ideally between 50% and 70%. Low humidity can stress the plant, causing symptoms like curled or crispy leaf edges and even leaf dropping. To boost humidity, consider using a humidifier, misting the leaves regularly, or placing your Calathea on a tray filled with water and pebbles. Grouping your Calathea with other plants can also help create a more humid microclimate.
Calatheas do best in stable temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). They’re sensitive to sudden temperature changes or cold drafts, which can lead to yellowing leaves. To keep your Calathea healthy, avoid placing it near air conditioners, heaters, or drafty windows.
Pests
Calatheas can be susceptible to common pests such as spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests feed on the plant's sap, resulting in spotted leaves or a sticky residue. If you observe any of these signs, gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or sprinkle the plant with a mixture of insecticidal soap and water to eliminate the infestation.
Fertilizer
Calatheas benefit from balanced, diluted fertilizers. However, over-fertilization can be detrimental, leading to burnt roots and yellowing leaves. If you notice these signs, flush the soil with water to remove excess fertilizer salts and allow the roots to recover. To prevent this, always follow the recommended dosage on the fertilizer label.
FAQs
Q1: How often to water Calathea?
Water your Calathea when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry, which usually means watering every 1-2 weeks. Allow the soil to dry out about halfway down before watering again.
Q2: Should I cut the brown tips off my Calathea?
Yes, Trimming the tips helps improve the plant's appearance and prevents further damage. However, remember that cutting the brown tips won't solve the underlying problem. It's important to address the root cause of the browning.
Q3: Do Calatheas like to be misted?
Yes, Calatheas benefit from being misted as it helps maintain the high humidity they thrive in but avoid over-misting to prevent mold or fungal growth.
