Saving a dying Calathea can seem overwhelming, but it’s achievable with the right approach. These striking, colorful plants require specific care, and even a minor mistake can make them look unwell. Here, we’ll walk you through seven steps to nurse your Calathea back to health, helping its gorgeous foliage thrive once again.
Step 1: Check Your Watering Routine
Calatheas are highly sensitive to overwatering or underwatering, so getting the balance right is crucial. To determine if it’s time to water, stick your finger into the soil—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water. Avoid letting the soil become bone dry, as this can stress the plant. Use filtered or distilled water instead of tap water, as tap water often contains chlorine and other chemicals that can harm the roots and discolor the leaves. Monitor moisture levels regularly using a moisture meter if necessary. Remember that the goal is to keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy.
How Often Should I Water Calathea?
Watering a Calathea properly involves striking a balance between too much and too little water. Ideally, you should water your Calathea every 5-7 days, depending on the season and environment. During the growing season (spring and summer), the plant may require more frequent watering, while in the cooler months, you can space out the watering intervals. Always check the top inch of the soil—if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Use room-temperature, filtered, or distilled water to prevent damage from chlorine and other chemicals. Consistency is key, so establish a regular routine while closely observing the plant’s needs.
How Do You Save Overwatered Calathea?
Saving an overwatered Calathea requires quick action to prevent root rot and further damage. Start by carefully removing the plant from its pot and inspecting the roots. Healthy roots are white and firm, while rotten roots appear mushy and dark. Trim away any affected roots using sterilized scissors. Next, allow the plant to dry out slightly by placing it on a clean surface. Repot the Calathea in fresh, well-draining soil and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes. Adjust your watering routine to avoid overwatering in the future, and only water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be patient as the plant recovers, and monitor its condition closely.
Step 2: Inspect the Leaves
The condition of your Calathea’s leaves provides valuable clues about its health. If you notice browning edges, it could be due to low humidity, while curling leaves usually indicate that the plant isn’t getting enough water. Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering or poor drainage. Take time to prune away damaged or dead leaves with sterilized scissors, as this helps the plant redirect its energy toward healthy foliage. After trimming, observe any changes to ensure you’ve addressed the underlying issue. Adjust watering, humidity, or light levels as needed based on the signs your plant is showing.
How to Cut Dead Leaves off Calathea?
Trimming dead leaves from a Calathea is an essential step in maintaining its health and appearance. Start by identifying the leaves that are completely brown, yellow, or curling and no longer contributing to the plant's vitality. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make precise cuts at the base of the leaf stem, close to the soil line. This minimizes stress and prevents any potential damage to healthy parts of the plant. Always sterilize your tools before and after pruning to reduce the risk of spreading disease. Removing dead leaves allows your Calathea to focus its energy on new growth and healthier foliage.
Step 3: Increase Humidity Levels
Calatheas are native to tropical rainforests, so they flourish in environments with high humidity. Aim to maintain humidity levels above 50%, and ideally closer to 60-70%. A small humidifier placed near your plant is the most effective solution. If a humidifier isn’t an option, consider grouping your Calathea with other plants to create a microclimate. You can also set the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water—just ensure the bottom of the pot isn’t submerged. Lightly misting the plant’s leaves can also help, but avoid excessive misting, as this can encourage fungal growth. Regularly check your humidity levels with a hygrometer to ensure consistency.
Step 4: Assess Light Conditions
Proper lighting is essential for your Calathea’s health, as both too much and too little light can cause problems. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing them to fade or develop burn spots. On the other hand, insufficient light will slow growth and make the leaves lose their vibrant colors. Place your Calathea in a spot that receives bright, indirect light, such as near an east-facing window. If your windows let in strong sunlight, use sheer curtains to filter the rays. You might also consider supplementing with grow lights during darker months to mimic the dappled light conditions of its natural habitat.
Step 5: Repot If Necessary
Over time, Calathea roots can become cramped, especially if the plant has been in the same pot for more than a year. To check if repotting is needed, look for roots growing out of the drainage holes or circling the inside of the pot. If you notice these signs, choose a new pot that’s 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Use a high-quality, well-draining soil mix, preferably one with peat, perlite, and coco coir, to retain moisture without waterlogging the roots. When repotting, gently loosen the root ball to remove any compacted soil and inspect for rot. Fresh soil will provide new nutrients and give your Calathea room to grow.
Step 6: Monitor Temperature
Calatheas are finicky about temperature and can’t tolerate sudden changes or drafts. Ideally, keep your plant in a room with temperatures between 65-80°F. Avoid placing it near air conditioning vents, radiators, or drafty windows, as these can cause stress. Temperature stress often results in drooping leaves or slow growth, so maintaining stability is crucial. If your home experiences cold snaps, consider using a heat mat to maintain warmth. Consistent temperatures will mimic the Calathea’s natural environment and help the plant stay healthy and vibrant.
Step 7: Watch for Pests
Calatheas can attract pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids, which thrive in warm, humid environments. Inspect your plant’s leaves—both the top and underside—regularly for signs of pests, such as webbing, tiny dots, or sticky residue. If you find pests, isolate the plant immediately to prevent the infestation from spreading.
How to Deal with Pests in a Calathea
Pests can quickly become a problem for Calatheas, especially in warm and humid conditions. To manage pests effectively, inspect your plant regularly, focusing on the undersides of the leaves where they often hide. If pests are found, isolate the affected plant to prevent the infestation from spreading. Treat it with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a diluted alcohol solution, applying thoroughly to all affected areas. Repeat treatment every few days until the pests are gone. Maintaining good plant hygiene and humidity levels will help keep your Calathea pest-free in the long run.
Bringing Your Calathea Back to Life
Reviving a struggling Calathea takes patience, consistency, and careful observation. Start by addressing its watering needs and gradually adjust the humidity, light, and temperature to recreate its ideal conditions. Keep a close eye on the leaves for any signs of improvement or further issues, and act promptly if problems arise. Regular maintenance and pest control will ensure your plant stays healthy. With the right care, your Calathea can once again become a stunning centerpiece in your home, showcasing its beautiful patterns and lush foliage.