Noticed your Calathea leaves turning brown? Super frustrating, right? Especially when you’re trying so hard to take care of it.
Calathea plants, also known as prayer plants, are beloved for their colorful leaves. But when brown spots or edges appear, something is wrong.
Don’t worry! This guide will help you find the causes and give you easy ways to fix them.
In this article, I’ll cover:
- Common reasons for brown leaves
- Step-by-step fixes
- Long-term care tips to keep your Calathea healthy
Let’s get started and save your plant!
Common Reasons Your Calathea is Turning Brown
Watering Problems
Watering is one of the main reasons for browning leaves in Calathea. Here’s why:
- Overwatering: Too much water can cause root rot, which stops calathea plant from getting nutrients. You’ll see yellow leaves with brown edges.
- Underwatering: When calathea doesn’t get enough water, the leaves dry out, starting from the edges.
- Using Tap Water: Tap water has chlorine, fluoride, or salts that can harm the leaves.
How to Fix:
- Water your calathea when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Use distilled or rainwater to avoid chemicals.
- Make sure your pot has drainage holes to stop water from sitting in the soil.
Low Humidity
Calatheas come from tropical areas, so they need high humidity. If the air is too dry, the leaves can curl and turn brown at the tips.
Ideal Humidity Levels:
- Keep the humidity between 50% and 70% for the best growth.
How to Fix:
- Use a humidifier near your plant.
- Place the plant on a tray with water and pebbles.
- Group plants together to increase humidity naturally.
Soil and Fertilizer Issues
The right soil and nutrients are key for healthy calathea. Bad drainage or too much fertilizer can cause stress.
Common Problems:
- Poor Drainage: Soil that holds too much water can suffocate the roots.
- Over-fertilizing: Extra fertilizer can burn the plant, leading to browning.
How to Fix:
- Use a well-draining potting mix made for houseplants.
- Fertilize only once a month during the growing season, and dilute the fertilizer.
Pests
Pests like spider mites and aphids can harm Calathea leaves, creating brown spots or edges.
Signs of Pests:
- Tiny webs on the plant (spider mites)
- Sticky residue on leaves (aphids)
- Tiny visible bugs
How to Fix:
- Wipe the leaves with a mix of water and neem oil.
- Use insecticidal soap or spray.
- Isolate the plant to stop pests from spreading.
How to Fix Brown Leaves on Your Calathea
Quick Fixes
If your Calathea has brown leaves, here’s what to do:
- Trim Damaged Leaves: Use clean scissors to cut off brown leaves. This helps the plant grow new ones.
- Flush the Soil: Run water through the soil to remove excess salts and chemicals.
- Adjust Watering: Water consistently and check the soil before each watering.
Long-Term Care Tips
To avoid future problems, focus on these care basics:
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Humidity: Use a hygrometer to keep track of humidity levels.
- Pest Checks: Look for pests and signs of stress every month.
FAQs About Calathea Turning Brown
How Do You Fix Brown Spots on Calathea?
Identify the cause, which is often watering issues, low humidity, or pests. Fix it by pruning damaged leaves, increasing humidity, and adjusting your watering schedule.
Should I Cut Off Brown Calathea Leaves?
Yes, removing completely brown leaves prevents calathea from wasting energy and encourages healthy growth.
How Often Should I Water My Calathea?
Water your calathea about once a week or when the top inch of soil is dry. Adjust based on your home’s conditions.
Can Low Light Cause Calathea Leaves to Turn Brown?
Low light doesn’t directly cause browning, but it can stress calathea, making it more prone to other problems like overwatering.
Wrapping Up
Brown leaves on your Calathea often mean care issues like improper watering, low humidity, or pests. By finding the problem and following these tips, you can help your plant look beautiful again and stay healthy.
Remember, a healthy Calathea starts with consistent care and attention.
Happy planting!
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