Do you have a Calathea plant at home that no matter how much you water it and care for it, its leaves just don’t seem to be as shiny as they used to be? If so, you’re not alone! Calathea leaves have a tendency to lose their shine over time, but the good news is that it’s easy to bring them back to their former glory.
In this article, we’ll go over what Calathea leaves are, why they lose their shine, and 4 easy steps to make them shiny again.
Plus, we’ll even include a bonus tip for pest control.
Read on to learn how to make Calathea leaves shiny and keep them looking their best.
Short Answer
Calathea leaves can be made shiny by wiping them with a damp cloth.
If you want to get rid of any dust or dirt, you can mix a teaspoon of mild dish soap with a gallon of warm water and use the mixture to lightly wipe the leaves.
To help keep your Calathea plants looking vibrant and healthy, make sure to mist them regularly with filtered water.
Additionally, make sure that the plants are not getting too much direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to fade.
What are Calathea Leaves?
Calathea leaves are a type of foliage commonly found in tropical climates.
Native to Central and South America, these plants can be found in many areas of the world.
They are especially popular for their beautiful and vibrant leaves, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Calathea leaves are often used in home decor and garden settings, as well as for their medicinal properties.
The leaves are filled with essential oils, vitamins, and minerals that can help to nourish and protect the body.
Unfortunately, over time, these leaves can become dull and lose their shine.
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to make calathea leaves shiny again.
Why Do Calathea Leaves Lose Their Shine?
Calathea leaves are known for their beautiful, vibrant colors, but unfortunately, they can lose their shine over time.
This is due to a combination of environmental factors and improper care.
Low humidity and dry air can cause the leaves to become dull and faded.
Exposure to direct sunlight can also damage the delicate leaves, as can over-watering or inadequate drainage.
Additionally, dust and dirt can accumulate on the leaves, further dulling their appearance.
To make sure your calathea leaves stay shiny, its important to understand and address the causes of their dulling.
Step 1
The first step to making your calathea leaves shiny is to wipe away any dust or dirt with a soft cloth.
Make sure to be gentle with your calathea leaves as they are delicate.
Using a dry cloth can help avoid any water damage, so be sure to use a cloth that is free of moisture.
Dust can cause the leaves to become dull over time, so its important to make sure they are cleaned regularly.
Additionally, wiping away any dirt can help keep pests away, as they are attracted to the dust.
This can help your calathea leaves stay healthy and vibrant for longer.
Step 2
The second step to making calathea leaves shiny again is to mix a solution of equal parts neem oil and water and spray the leaves lightly.
Neem oil is a natural insect repellent and helps to protect the leaves from pests.
Neem oil has traditionally been used for centuries in India and other parts of the world for its insect-repelling properties and has been found to be effective against many common pests.
It is safe for use around plants and is an excellent choice when looking to protect calathea leaves from pests.
To make a solution of neem oil and water, mix together one part neem oil and one part water in a spray bottle.
Shake the bottle to ensure that the mixture is well blended.
Once the mixture is ready, spray the leaves lightly, making sure to not saturate them.
Neem oil can help to keep away pests while also helping to make the leaves shiny again.
Step 3
The third step in making your calathea leaves shiny is to mix a solution of equal parts neem oil and water and spray the leaves lightly.
Neem oil is derived from the seeds of a tree native to India and is widely used in agricultural and medicinal settings.
It is a natural insect repellent and helps to protect the leaves from pests, while also providing a glossy sheen.
When mixed with water, it creates a solution that can be lightly sprayed onto the leaves to help restore their shine.
Be sure to use a spray bottle with a fine mist setting, as neem oil can be damaging to the leaves if it is applied too heavily.
Also, be sure to test a small area of the leaves first to ensure they do not get damaged by the neem oil.
Step 4
The final step to make your Calathea leaves shiny is to mist them regularly with water.
Doing this helps to keep the leaves hydrated and helps maintain their natural shine.
Water also helps to remove any excess dust or dirt that may be stuck on the leaves.
To make the job easier, you can use a spray bottle filled with water.
Just make sure to use lukewarm water, as cold water can shock the leaves and cause them to lose their shine.
Alternatively, you can also use a damp cloth to wipe the leaves down.
Once youve finished misting the leaves, make sure to dry them off with a soft cloth.
Doing this will ensure that your Calathea leaves stay vibrant and shiny for longer.
Bonus Tip
In addition to the steps outlined above, there are a few bonus tips for keeping your calathea leaves looking shiny and healthy.
First, make sure the leaves get plenty of indirect sunlight.
This will help to keep them vibrant and their color deep.
Second, avoid using tap water when misting the leaves.
Tap water can contain minerals that can build up on the leaves and cause them to become dull.
Instead, use distilled or filtered water.
Finally, pruning the leaves can help to encourage new growth and keep the plant looking fresh and full.
With these easy tips, you can keep your calathea leaves looking shiny and vibrant for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Calathea leaves are a beautiful and vibrant addition to any home, but they can sometimes lose their shine.
Fortunately, it’s easy to make them shine again with just four simple steps.
Start by wiping away dust and dirt, then mix a solution of neem oil and water and spray the leaves lightly.
Neem oil helps to repel pests and keep the leaves healthy.
Finally, mist the leaves regularly with water to maintain their shine.
With these steps, your calathea leaves will be looking as good as new in no time! Don’t forget to use the bonus tip to keep pests away and keep your leaves looking their best.