Have you ever noticed your Calathea drooping? If so, youre probably wondering why and how to fix it.
In this article, well uncover the answer.
Well start by discussing what Calatheas are, then move on to some common causes of drooping.
Well cover topics such as too much water, too little light, too much fertilizer, and how to monitor water, light, and fertilizer levels.
Finally, well discuss adjusting your care to accommodate your Calathea.
So, if youre ready to learn more about why your Calathea is drooping and what you can do about it, keep reading!.
Short Answer
Calatheas typically droop when they’re not getting enough water.
Check the soil moisture and make sure the soil is evenly moist but not soggy.
If the soil is dry, water the plant thoroughly and make sure the excess water is able to drain away.
Additionally, check the light levels in the area where the plant is located.
Calatheas thrive in indirect, bright light and may droop if they’re in too much direct sun.
What are Calatheas?
Calatheas, also known as prayer plants, are beautiful and vibrant houseplants that have become increasingly popular in recent years.
They are tropical plants native to South and Central America, and they are often known for their striking foliage, which can range in color from deep green to dark red, and feature unique patterns and shapes.
Calatheas are also known for their ability to pray their leaves close at night and open again in the morning, just like they were praying.
This behavior is caused by the movement of air through the leaves, and also helps the plant conserve moisture.
Calatheas are relatively low maintenance plants, but they are still very sensitive to their environment, and can suffer if not taken care of correctly.
They thrive in temperatures between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit, and prefer bright indirect light.
They also need to be kept in moist soil, but not overly saturated, as this can cause root rot.
Additionally, they should be fertilized every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Common Causes of Drooping in Calatheas
Drooping in calatheas is usually caused by environmental factors, such as not enough light, too much or too little water, and too much fertilizer.
To keep your calathea healthy and happy, it is essential to monitor the amount of light, water, and fertilizer you are providing.
If your calathea is drooping, check these three elements and adjust accordingly.
Not enough light is one of the most common causes of drooping in calatheas.
If your calathea is not receiving enough light, it will start to droop.
Calatheas need bright, indirect light and should be placed near a south- or east-facing window.
If your calathea is not getting enough light, consider moving it to a brighter location.
Too much or too little water can also cause drooping in calatheas.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the leaves to droop.
On the other hand, underwatering can cause the leaves to droop as well.
The best way to avoid this is to check the soil regularly.
The soil should be damp but not soggy.
If the soil is too dry, water the plant until the soil is damp.
Finally, too much fertilizer can cause drooping in calatheas.
Fertilizer should be used sparinglyno more than once every two weeks.
If you are using a liquid fertilizer, dilute it to half the strength recommended on the package.
Too much fertilizer can burn the roots of the plant, leading to drooping leaves.
If your calathea is drooping, check the amount of light, water, and fertilizer you are providing and adjust accordingly.
With the right care, your calathea should perk right back up!.
Too Much Water
When it comes to why your Calathea is drooping, too much water is often the culprit.
Calatheas thrive in moist soil, but they don’t do well when they’re sitting in waterlogged soil.
If you suspect your Calathea has been overwatered, feel the soil.
If it’s soggy or wet, it’s time to reduce watering.
In general, water your Calathea every 7-10 days, or when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry.
If you want to be extra careful, you can also use a moisture meter to ensure the soil is at the correct level of moisture for the plant.
Additionally, make sure you’re using the correct size pot for your Calathea.
A pot that’s too big can trap too much water and increase the chances of overwatering.
Too Little Light
When it comes to calatheas, light is key to keeping them healthy.
Without enough light, they can become droopy and start to lose their vibrant colors.
If your calathea is drooping, it could be a sign that it isn’t getting enough light.
To ensure your calathea is getting enough light, make sure it is placed in an area that gets plenty of indirect sunlight.
If you can’t find a location with enough natural light, you can also supplement with an artificial light source.
As a general rule, keep your calathea in a spot where it receives at least 8 hours of light per day.
If you provide enough light, your calathea should perk up and become healthier in no time!.
Too Much Fertilizer
When it comes to caring for Calatheas, one of the biggest mistakes many people make is applying too much fertilizer.
Too much fertilizer can cause the delicate leaves of a Calathea to droop and become discolored.
This is because too much fertilizer can create an imbalance in the plant’s nutrients, leading to the plant being unable to properly absorb the nutrients it needs.
To avoid this problem, it is important to read the instructions on the fertilizer label and only apply the recommended amount.
Additionally, it is best to fertilize your Calathea sparingly, about once every two months during the growing season.
This will ensure that your plant is receiving the nutrients it needs without being overloaded.
With the right amount of fertilizer, your Calathea should perk right back up!.
Monitoring Water, Light, and Fertilizer
When it comes to keeping your calathea healthy and happy, monitoring the amount of water, light, and fertilizer you provide is key.
Calatheas are sensitive plants that need a specific balance of these three elements to thrive.
Too much or too little of any one factor can cause your plant to droop, so its important to be aware of the needs of your particular calathea and adjust accordingly.
When it comes to water, calatheas need to be kept moist but not wet.
A good rule of thumb is to water your calathea when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Overwatering can cause your calathea to start drooping, so its important to be careful not to overwater.
On the other hand, too little water can also cause your calathea to droop, so make sure to give your plant enough water to keep it hydrated.
Light is also important for calatheas.
These plants prefer indirect light and will do best in bright, indirect light.
Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn, so be sure to keep your calathea away from direct sunlight.
On the other hand, not enough light can also cause your calathea to droop, so make sure to provide enough indirect light for your plant.
Finally, fertilizing your calathea is important for keeping it healthy.
A slow-release fertilizer is best as too much fertilizer can cause your calathea to droop.
You should fertilize your calathea every two weeks during the growing season and once a month during the winter months.
By monitoring the amount of water, light, and fertilizer you provide, you can ensure that your calathea will stay healthy and happy.
With the right care, your calathea should perk right back up!.
Adjusting Care to Accommodate Your Calathea
When it comes to taking care of your calathea, you need to be mindful of the amount of water, light, and fertilizer you are providing.
If your calathea is drooping, it could be a sign that you are not providing the right balance of these elements.
Too much or too little of any one of these can cause your calathea to become stressed and droop.
To adjust care for your calathea, it is important to understand the specific needs of your plant.
Calatheas prefer moist soil, so you should water your plant regularly, but not to the point of saturation.
You should also provide bright, indirect sunlight and use a balanced fertilizer.
The key is to find the right balance of water, light, and fertilizer for your calathea.
It is also important to make sure that your calathea is not in a drafty area or near a heat source.
Too much heat or cold can cause your calathea to droop.
You should also make sure that your plant is in a well-draining pot with a well-draining soil mix.
Finally, if you are having trouble keeping your calathea healthy, you may want to consider using a humidity tray.
A humidity tray is a shallow tray filled with gravel and water.
This will help keep the air around your calathea moist and allow your plant to absorb the moisture it needs.
Final Thoughts
Calatheas are beautiful and sensitive houseplants that require specific care to remain healthy.
Drooping is one of the most common signs of distress and can be caused by too much or too little water, not enough light, or too much fertilizer.
To keep your calathea happy and healthy, it’s important to monitor the amount of water, light, and fertilizer you are providing and adjust your care accordingly.
With the right care, your calathea should perk right back up in no time! So don’t wait, take action and make sure your calathea is getting the proper care it needs to thrive.