Worried about your Calathea’s leaves turning yellow? You’re not alone.
This is a common issue, but the good news is that it’s fixable!
Calathea leaves turn yellow due to overwatering, low humidity, direct sunlight, or nutrient imbalances. To fix it, adjust watering, increase humidity, provide indirect light, and use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
In this guide, I’ll break down the most common causes of yellowing Calathea leaves, how to fix them, and simple care tips to keep your plant vibrant and thriving.
Let’s dive in!
Why Is My Calathea Turning Yellow?
Overwatering
Overwatering is a top reason your Calathea’s leaves turn yellow. Excess water drowns the roots, leading to rot and poor nutrient uptake. Look for yellow leaves paired with mushy stems as telltale signs.
How to Fix Overwatering:
- Test soil moisture with your finger or a meter—only water if the top inch is dry.
- Let soggy soil dry out completely before the next watering.
- Ensure your pot has drainage holes to avoid water buildup.
Underwatering
On the flip side, underwatering can also cause yellow leaves. If the soil stays too dry for too long, the plant can’t get the water it needs to stay healthy.
How to Fix It:
- Water your Calathea when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Stick to a regular watering schedule, especially during warmer months.
Low Humidity
Calatheas are tropical plants that thrive in high humidity. If the air in your home is too dry, the edges of the leaves might turn yellow or brown.
How to Fix It:
- Place a humidifier near your plant to increase humidity.
- Group your Calathea with other plants or set it on a pebble tray with water.
- Keep the plant away from air conditioners or heaters, which dry out the air.
Inconsistent Lighting
Calatheas prefer bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, while too little light can cause them to yellow and fade.
How to Fix It:
- Place your plant in a spot with filtered light, like near an east-facing window.
- Avoid direct sunlight, which can damage the delicate leaves.
- Rotate your plant occasionally to ensure all sides get even light.
Nutrient Deficiency or Overfertilization
If your Calathea isn’t getting the right nutrients, or if it’s been overfertilized, the leaves may turn yellow with brown spots.
How to Fix It:
- Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Avoid overfertilizing; follow the product instructions carefully.
- Flush the soil with water every few months to remove excess fertilizer salts.
How to Fix Yellowing Calathea Leaves
Step 1: Check Watering Habits
- Use a consistent watering schedule. Too much or too little water can harm your Calathea.
- Ensure the pot drains well to prevent standing water.
Step 2: Improve Humidity Levels
- Place a humidifier near the plant or mist it daily.
- Use a pebble tray to create a humid microenvironment.
Step 3: Optimize Lighting
- Keep the plant in bright, indirect light.
- Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Step 4: Address Fertilizer Issues
- Reduce fertilizer frequency if you notice yellow leaves with brown spots.
- Flush the soil to remove any buildup of salts from overfertilization.
Does Calathea Orbifolia Turn Yellow More Often Than Calathea Makoyana?
I’ve grown lots of Calatheas, and some yellow faster than others. Let’s look at two popular ones: Calathea orbifolia and Calathea makoyana. I’ll tell you which one yellows more.
Calathea Orbifolia
I love Calathea orbifolia for its big, round leaves with silver-green stripes. But it’s super picky about water and humidity. If the air drops below 50% humidity or the soil gets too wet, its leaves turn yellow quick. It needs steady, indirect light too. Any mistake stresses it out and causes yellowing.
Calathea Makoyana
Calathea makoyana is called the “Peacock Plant” because of its small, oval leaves with neat patterns. It’s not as fussy as orbifolia. Overwatering doesn’t make it yellow as fast, but it still doesn’t like dry air or direct sun. I’ve tested it, and it handles small errors better than orbifolia.
Which Turns Yellow More Often?
In my tests, Calathea orbifolia yellows more than makoyana. Its big leaves and need for perfect humidity and watering make it tougher to keep green. Makoyana’s smaller size makes it a little stronger. But both will yellow if you mess up their tropical needs—like too much water, dry air, or bright light.
Other Varieties to Consider
- Calathea zebrina: It’s like orbifolia, picky about humidity and yellows with extra water.
- Calathea roseopicta: It’s tougher, but bad drainage or low light still turns it yellow.
Preventative Care Tips for Calathea Plants
Regular Maintenance
- Check the soil moisture weekly.
- Wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
- Inspect for pests like spider mites or mealybugs, which can stress the plant.
Seasonal Adjustments
- In winter, reduce watering as the plant’s growth slows down.
- During summer, increase humidity by misting more often or using a humidifier.
FAQs About Calathea Turning Yellow
Why Are My Calathea Leaves Turning Yellow and Brown at the Edges?
Yellow and brown edges usually mean the plant isn’t getting enough humidity. Use a humidifier or place the plant on a pebble tray to increase moisture in the air.
Can Yellow Leaves Turn Green Again?
No, yellow leaves cannot turn green again. It’s best to prune them to encourage healthy growth.
What’s the Best Soil for Calathea Plants?
Calatheas prefer well-draining soil with good moisture retention. A mix of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite works well.
What is the Ideal Humidity for a Calathea?
Calatheas thrive in 50-60% humidity. Consider using a humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray to maintain moisture.
Wrapping Up
Yellowing leaves are a common problem with Calatheas, but they signal that something in the plant’s environment needs adjusting. By identifying the cause whether it’s watering, humidity, light, or nutrients, you can take the right steps to restore your plant’s health.
Regular care and attention are the keys to keeping your Calathea thriving.
Happy Gardening!
Related:
