Are you worried that your beloved Calathea plant is on its last legs? Whether it’s wilting, turning yellow, or looking generally unhealthy, there is hope! Taking the right steps can help save your Calathea and bring it back to life.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to save a dying Calathea plant in three easy steps, plus additional tips for maintaining a healthy Calathea.
We’ll look at signs of a dying plant, the importance of keeping the soil moist, and how to create the right environment with lighting and misting.
Finally, we’ll cover fertilizing and trimming dead or yellowing leaves.
So, let’s get started and help your Calathea thrive!.
Short Answer
Calathea plants are sensitive to their environment, so it is important to provide them with the proper care.
To save a dying Calathea plant, start by making sure the plant has enough light, but not direct sunlight.
Check that the soil is not too wet, and if it is, allow it to dry out.
Also, make sure the pot has proper drainage, and replace the soil with a potting mix that contains peat moss and perlite.
Finally, fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Signs of a Dying Calathea Plant
When a Calathea plant is dying, its important to recognize the signs so that you can take steps to save it.
One of the most common signs of a dying Calathea is discoloration of the leaves, as they can turn yellow or brown.
Additionally, the stems might start to become weak and limp, and the plant may show signs of wilting.
If the soil is left too dry for too long, the leaves can start to curl and eventually, the leaves will start to drop off.
If you notice any of these signs, its important to take action quickly to help save your Calathea.
Keeping the Soil Moist
When it comes to keeping your calathea plant healthy, the soil moisture is key.
You want to make sure that the soil is kept moist but not soggy, as this can lead to root rot.
To maintain the optimal moisture level, water your calathea plant when the top inch of soil feels dry.
If youre not sure, you can use your finger to check the moisture level of the soil.
Additionally, you should make sure to use filtered water or distilled water for your calathea plant, as tap water can contain too many minerals and chemicals that can be harmful to the plant.
To ensure that the soil doesnt dry out too quickly, you can use a potting mix that contains a good amount of organic matter, such as peat moss or coir.
This will help the soil retain moisture and provide your calathea plant with the necessary nutrients.
Keeping the Plant in a Well-Lit Area
When it comes to keeping your calathea plant healthy, one of the most important things to consider is its lighting.
Calatheas need to be in a well-lit area, but not in direct sunlight.
Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch and turn yellow, which is a sure sign of a dying plant.
To get the right amount of light, keep the plant in a spot that gets indirect light, such as near a window with a sheer curtain.
This will ensure that the plant gets enough light to stay healthy, but not too much that it causes damage.
Additionally, make sure to rotate your calathea every few days so that it gets light from all sides and stays balanced.
This will help it grow evenly.
Mist the Leaves Regularly
Misting the leaves of a Calathea plant is an important step in keeping it healthy and vibrant.
Not only does it help maintain the necessary level of humidity for the plant, but it also helps prevent dust and dirt from settling on the leaves and clogging the pores.
In order to properly mist the leaves, it is important to use a spray bottle filled with lukewarm water and lightly mist the leaves once or twice a week.
This will help ensure that the plant retains the necessary level of moisture without becoming overly saturated.
Additionally, misting the leaves regularly will help keep the plant looking fresh and vibrant, as it will help prevent the leaves from dulling and yellowing.
Fertilizing the Plant
Fertilizing your calathea plant is an important part of its health and can help it to stay vibrant and beautiful.
It is best to fertilize the plant every month during the growing season, which is typically from spring to fall.
This can be done by using a liquid fertilizer that is specifically formulated for houseplants.
When applying the fertilizer, make sure to dilute it to half the strength that is recommended on the label.
This is because calatheas are not heavy feeders and can be easily damaged by too much fertilizer.
Additionally, it is important to not fertilize the plant during the winter months as it is in a resting state and does not need the extra nutrients.
After applying the fertilizer, make sure to water the plant thoroughly to help it absorb the nutrients.
With these simple steps, you can ensure that your calathea plant is getting the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and vibrant.
Trimming Dead or Yellowing Leaves
Trimming dead or yellowing leaves is an important step in saving a dying Calathea plant.
It is important to keep an eye on the leaves of your Calathea to ensure they are healthy and vibrant.
If you notice any leaves that are yellowing or have turned brown, it is important to trim them away.
This will help the plant focus its energy on staying healthy and will help prevent the spread of any disease or infection to other parts of the plant.
When trimming dead or yellowing leaves, make sure to cut cleanly with a sharp pair of scissors and dispose of the leaves in the bin, as they can carry diseases that could be spread to other plants.
Additionally, make sure to disinfect your scissors with rubbing alcohol or a mixture of warm water and soap before and after use.
This will help prevent any spread of infection from one plant to another.
Additional Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Calathea Plant
In addition to the basic steps for saving a dying Calathea plant, there are a few other tips that can help ensure your plant stays healthy and vibrant.
First, water your Calathea plant thoroughly, but not too frequently.
When the top inch of soil is dry, its time to water.
However, over-watering can drown the roots, so make sure the soil isnt soggy.
If youre not sure when to water, stick your finger in the soil and check the moisture level.
Second, keep your Calathea in an area with bright, indirect sunlight.
The leaves may burn if the plant is placed in direct sunlight, and the plant wont thrive in low-light conditions.
If you dont have a spot with bright, indirect light, you can supplement with a fluorescent grow light.
Third, mist the leaves of your Calathea plant regularly to keep the humidity level high.
Calatheas like high humidity, so misting the leaves will help keep them looking lush and vibrant.
Finally, fertilize your Calathea plant every month to provide it with the necessary nutrients.
Look for a fertilizer specifically designed for houseplants and use it according to the directions on the package.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your Calathea plant looking healthy and vibrant.
Just remember to keep the soil moist, provide bright, indirect sunlight, mist the leaves regularly, and fertilize the plant every month.
With a little bit of effort, you can keep your Calathea plant looking its best!.
Final Thoughts
With these simple steps, you can easily save a dying calathea plant and keep it looking healthy and vibrant.
Make sure to keep the soil moist, keep the plant in a well-lit area, mist the leaves regularly, and fertilize the plant each month.
Additionally, trim any dead or yellowing leaves to help the plant focus its energy on staying healthy.
Now that you know how to save a dying calathea plant, give it a try and see the results for yourself!.