Why Calathea Leaves Turn Yellow? (Answers & Prevention Tips)


Have you ever noticed your Calathea’s leaves turning yellow and wondered what caused it? It can be a worrying sight, but don’t fear! In this article, we will explore the common causes of yellowing leaves in Calathea and provide helpful prevention tips to ensure your plant stays healthy.

Read on to learn answers to why Calathea leaves turn yellow, ranging from too much direct sunlight to nutrient deficiencies.

Plus, we’ll provide helpful prevention tips like how to give your Calathea the proper amount of sunlight and nutrients.

So, let’s get started!.

Short Answer

Calathea leaves can turn yellow for a variety of reasons.

Common causes include too much sunlight, underwatering, or an excess of fertilizer in the soil.

Too much water or temperature fluctuations can also cause the leaves to yellow.

If the plant is over or under watered, or if the soil is too dry or too wet, yellowing can occur.

What Causes Calathea Leaves to Turn Yellow?

Calathea leaves turning yellow is a common problem for many houseplant owners, but the good news is that it’s usually easily fixable.

The yellow discoloration can be caused by too much direct sunlight, improper watering, or a nutrient deficiency.

Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch, while improper watering can cause the leaves to become dry and yellow.

Additionally, a nutrient deficiency can lead to yellowing leaves, as the plant is not receiving the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

It’s important to understand the causes of yellowing leaves in order to prevent it from happening in the future.

Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to become scorched, which is why it’s important to keep your calathea away from direct sunlight and place it in a location with indirect light.

Improper watering can also cause the leaves to become dry and yellow, so it’s important to water your calathea regularly and make sure the soil is moist but not soggy.

Finally, a nutrient deficiency can lead to yellowing leaves, so it’s important to fertilize your calathea regularly and make sure it’s getting the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

In summary, yellowing calathea leaves can be caused by too much direct sunlight, improper watering, or a nutrient deficiency.

By understanding the causes and taking the necessary steps to prevent them, you can ensure that your calathea stays healthy and vibrant.

Too Much Direct Sunlight

When it comes to Calathea leaves turning yellow, too much direct sunlight is one of the most common causes.

When foliage is exposed to intense sunlight for long periods of time, it can cause the leaves to become scorched and discolored.

The suns rays can also cause the leaves to become dry and brittle, leading to yellowing.

In order to prevent this, it is important to provide the Calathea with enough light, but not too much.

If you are unsure of how much light your Calathea needs, the best way to determine this is to place the plant near a window and observe how it reacts.

If the leaves are becoming yellow, you may need to move the plant to a spot where it is receiving less direct sunlight.

Additionally, you can use sheer curtains or a shade cloth to help filter the light and protect the plant from too much sun.

Improper Watering

When it comes to improper watering, Calathea leaves will turn yellow if they are not getting enough water.

This is usually caused by overwatering or underwatering.

Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can weaken the plant and lead to yellowing leaves.

On the other hand, underwatering can cause the soil to become too dry, leading to yellowing leaves as the plant struggles to get enough water.

In addition to the yellowing of the leaves, improper watering can also cause the leaves to become dry and brittle.

If the leaves are not getting enough water, they will begin to curl up and dry out, leading to a discolored, yellowish appearance.

The best way to prevent improper watering-related yellowing of Calathea leaves is to make sure you are providing the plant with the correct amount of water.

When watering your plant, make sure the soil is damp but not soggy.

You should also be sure to water your plant regularly and evenly, as this will help to ensure the plant is getting the right amount of water.

Finally, it is important to make sure that the soil is not too dry between waterings.

If the soil is too dry, it can cause the roots to become dehydrated, which can lead to yellowing of the leaves.

Nutrient Deficiency

A nutrient deficiency is one of the most common causes of Calathea leaves turning yellow.

When the plant is not receiving the essential nutrients it needs to stay healthy and vibrant, it can lead to discoloration and yellowing of the leaves.

This is usually due to a lack of essential micronutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Other nutrient deficiencies can also cause yellowing of the leaves, such as nitrogen and potassium.

To prevent a nutrient deficiency, it is important to provide your Calathea with a balanced fertilizer.

Look for a fertilizer that is specifically designed for houseplants, and make sure to follow the instructions on the package.

Additionally, make sure to give your plant plenty of indirect sunlight, as this will help the plant to absorb the nutrients from the fertilizer more effectively.

Additionally, you can supplement your plant with a liquid houseplant fertilizer to ensure that it is getting all the essential nutrients it needs.

Prevention Tips

When it comes to preventing calathea leaves from turning yellow, the key is to ensure the plant is receiving the right amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients.

First and foremost, the plant should be placed in an area of the home that receives indirect sunlight throughout the day.

Direct sunlight can be too harsh for calathea and cause its leaves to scorch and turn yellow.

In addition to avoiding direct sun, the plant should be rotated every few weeks so it receives an even amount of sunlight on all sides.

When it comes to watering, the plant should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause yellowing leaves.

Too little water can lead to dry and yellow leaves.

To ensure the plant is receiving the right amount of water, use the soak and dry method.

Soak the soil until water begins to run out of the bottom of the pot, and then let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

Finally, its important to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients.

Use a fertilizer formulated for houseplants every couple of months, and make sure to dilute it according to the instructions on the package.

Too much fertilizer can actually cause the leaves to turn yellow, so its important to follow the instructions carefully.

By following these tips, you can ensure your calathea stays healthy and its leaves stay green and vibrant.

Proper Amount of Sunlight

Calathea plants, while they do enjoy bright indirect light, do not do well in direct sunlight.

Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch and turn yellow.

The longer the leaves are exposed to direct sunlight, the more severe the damage will be.

To prevent this, place the plant in a spot that receives bright, indirect light, such as near a window or in a bright, sunny room.

Additionally, make sure that the plant is not placed near a heat source, as this can also cause the leaves to turn yellow.

If the plant is receiving too much light, move it to a spot that is more shaded to prevent the leaves from scorching.

Proper Amount of Water

When it comes to watering your Calathea, it is important to strike a balance.

Too little water can cause the leaves to turn yellow and dry out, while too much water can lead to root rot and other issues.

To ensure that your Calathea gets the optimal amount of water, it is important to water it thoroughly, but sparingly.

When watering your Calathea, make sure to check the soil first.

If it feels dry, then its time to water.

If it feels damp, then its best to wait a few days before watering again.

Additionally, it is best to water your Calathea with room temperature water, as cold water can shock the plant.

When watering your Calathea, it is important to allow the water to drain out freely, as this will help to prevent root rot.

You should also avoid getting water on the foliage, as this can cause the leaves to turn yellow.

Proper Nutrient Supply

When it comes to keeping your Calathea healthy and vibrant, providing the right nutrients is essential.

A nutrient deficiency can lead to yellowing leaves, as the plant is not receiving the necessary nutrients to stay healthy.

Calatheas need a balanced fertilizer to give them the proper nutrition.

It is best to use a balanced fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Additionally, it is important to feed your plant every few weeks to ensure it is getting the nutrients it needs.

Be sure to use a fertilizer that is specifically made for houseplants and follow the directions on the package.

You can also provide your Calathea with additional nutrients such as compost, bone meal, and kelp or seaweed extract.

These supplements can be added to the soil to provide additional nutrition for your plant.

Additionally, you can use a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks to provide your Calathea with extra nutrients.

Final Thoughts

Overall, yellowing of Calathea leaves is a common problem, but with the right amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients, it can be prevented.

Now that you know the causes of Calathea yellowing, you can make sure your plant gets the care it needs to stay healthy and vibrant.

Put your knowledge to the test and see if you can keep your Calathea leaves green and beautiful!.

James Twitty

James is a software developer by trade, but his true passion lies in plants. He loves to be outside in nature and is always eager to learn more about the different species of plants he finds. He often experiments with growing and propagating different types of plants and herbs, and is always excited to share his knowledge with others.

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