Calathea Leaves Curling & Other Common Issues
Plants like Calatheas look great in both indoor and outdoor settings, from homes to offices, thanks to their stunning foliage with unique variegation and patterns, as well as their aesthetic appeal. While it’s true that the plant doesn’t require much attention, unfortunately, it’s also a fact that it can sometimes get too fussy without the right care. As a result, occasional neglect may cause your Calathea leaves to curl, turn brown or yellow, or droop, especially if it’s a rare variety.
But what does it mean when a Calathea leaves curl? Or, what does Calathea leaves turning yellow indicate?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll understand the causes behind all these Calathea problems and offer easy fixes. Let's start without any further ado.
About Calathea Plants
Calatheas are beautiful houseplants from the Marantaceae family. These plants originally grew in the jungles of South America and Africa. While a bit of care is needed, Calatheas aren’t too hard to look after, and can be perfect plants for beginners. To keep these tropical plants happy, place them in a spot with bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun as it can burn the delicate leaves. They prefer high humidity, so misting them or using a humidifier is recommended. Water when the topsoil feels dry.
Plus, Calathea is safe for pets, so you don’t have to worry if your cat or dog gets curious around it! One interesting thing about Calatheas is how their leaves move; the process is called “nyctinasty.” This means the leaves fold up at night, then open up again in the morning when the sun comes out. Hence, the common name of these beauties is Prayer plants because the movement of the foliage resembles the act of prayer.
Some popular Calathea varieties include the Calathea 'Rattlesnake' with its long, wavy, green leaves with purple undersides, the Calathea 'Dottie' with dark green leaves and pinkish-purple dots, the Calathea Medallion with striking striped patterns, and the Peacock Plant with big, round leaves that have cool silver-green lines. Each one adds a unique look to your home!
Why Are My Calathea Leaves Curling?
Curling Calathea leaves may point to any of these underlying problems with your care routine:
- Underwatering (if you find your Calathea leaves curling inwards)
- Presence of chemicals in the water, such as chlorine and fluoride
- Excess fertilization
- Too cold conditions, i.e., lower than 60°F
- Pests or diseases
- Less than 50% humidity in the air
- Waterlogging in the soil
- Too much sunlight
How to Fix Curled Leaves on Calathea
How to get Calathea leaves to unfurl? To get your Calathea’s leaves to unfurl, check the humidity and keep it above 60-65% through misting or using a pebble tray filled with water. Moisten the plant regularly with clean, room-temperature water.. Avoid direct sunlight and cold drafts. Ensure the soil is slightly moist, not dry or soggy.
Calathea Leaves: Other Common Problems
What is a common problem with Calathea? Besides curling leaves, the plant can also suffer from several other issues, such as browning, yellowing, wilting, or drooping leaves.
Calathea Leaves Turning Brown: Reasons
If you spot that your colorful and patterned Calathea leaves are turning brown at the edges, it’s likely a sign that conditions aren’t quite right. For example:
- Underwatering
- Poor water quality due to harmful chemicals
- Temperature fluctuations
- Blockage around the roots due to excess water
- Overfertilization
How Do You Fix Brown Leaves on Calathea?
To fix brown leaves on your Calathea, it’s recommended to cut the brown parts of the affected leaves with clean, sharp scissors. Don’t trim too many leaves at once - ideally 20-25%. Ensure your plant receives the right amount of water, diluted fertilizer, and a sufficient level of humidity. Avoid direct sun and let the soil stay slightly moist but not too wet.
Should I Remove Brown Leaves From Calathea?
Yes, you should remove brown leaves from your Calathea plant. These leaves won’t turn green again, and pruning them will allow the plant to redirect its energy to new growth. Be careful not to trim more than 25% of the brown or dead leaves at once, as it can shock the plant. When cutting, use only sharp, sterilized shears to reduce the risk of spreading diseases to healthy parts of the plant.
Calathea Leaves Turning Yellow: Causes and Solutions
There are tons of reasons behind your Calathea leaves turning yellow, with low-light levels and pest infestations being the two most common factors. Other causes include:
- Waterlogged soil
- Root rot
- Transplant shock
- Too much pruning
- Ageing
- Low humidity
- Underwatering
What to Do When Calathea Leaves Turn Yellow
The first thing to do when your Calathea leaves turn yellow is to check for waterlogging around the roots and subsequent rot. Gently pull the plant out of its pot, examine the roots, and trim them right away if they appear dark, too wet, and mushy. Allow the soil to dry out partially before watering it again. Ensure the pot has good drainage. In some cases, you may need to repot the plant and refresh the soil.
Low humidity should be avoided, especially during winter.
Calathea Leaves Drooping: How to Perk Up Calathea?
Calatheas with large, wide leaves or long, narrow leaves are more prone to wilting or drooping, primarily due to:
- Underwatering
- Excess moisture in the soil
- Lack of bright, indirect sunlight
- Low humidity
- Incorrect repotting
- Pest infestations
How Do You Fix Droopy Calathea Leaves?
The problem of Calathea leaves drooping can be resolved by increasing humidity, proper drainage of excess water, and no exposure to direct sunlight. If it’s due to pest infestations, spray neem water on the leaves to deter pests from coming back. When repotting, ensure to provide extra care to avoid transplant shock.
Calathea Problems With Leaves: FAQs
Q: How do you fix crispy Calathea leaves?
A: To fix crispy Calathea leaves, mist them with water daily, place the plant on a pebble tray with water, or use a humidifier. Remove the brown, crispy parts with clean scissors. Finally, move your Calathea to a spot with indirect light and ensure it’s watered sufficiently.
Q: How to save a wilted Calathea?
A: A wilted Calathea can be saved with a correct watering schedule and the right light exposure. Check the soil; if it’s dry, water it gently until it drains out through the drainage holes. Ensure the plant receives bright, indirect sunlight, as too little or too much light can cause wilting. Boost humidity with a tray of water and pebbles or misting. If roots are rotten, trim them and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.
Q: Should I cut off yellow Calathea leaves?
A: Yes, you should cut off yellow Calathea leaves to help the plant focus its energy on new growth. Use clean scissors to snip them at the base instead of plucking them manually. Yellowing often occurs due to overwatering, low humidity, or low light, so fix these issues promptly. Don’t remove more than 5-6 leaves at once; let the plant adjust and recover gradually over time.
Q: What does an overwatered Calathea look like?
A: An overwatered Calathea often has drooping leaves that turn yellow or brown over time. The soil feels constantly wet, and roots may show signs of rot, such as a funky smell. Its leaves might fall off easily, making the plant look sad.
Conclusion
Calatheas aren’t immune to issues like curling, browning, yellowing, or drooping leaves. However, with proper watering, humidity, and light, these Calathea problems can be easily fixed. Regular attention and the right conditions will help this pet-friendly plant thrive and maintain its stunning look intact.