Are you worried about your Calathea’s leaves curling and turning brown? You’re not alone! Many Calathea owners have experienced this issue and it can be quite concerning.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the potential causes of this issue and provide you with the answers you need to get your Calathea back to its healthy, vibrant self.
We’ll explore the effects of direct sunlight, underwatering, overwatering, and more in order to assess the environment and check for pests.
By the end, you should have the information you need to give your Calathea the best care possible.
Let’s get started!.
Short Answer
Calathea plants typically require moist, well-draining soil and high levels of humidity.
If the soil is too dry, the leaves may begin to curl and turn brown.
Additionally, Calathea plants are sensitive to cold temperatures and drafts, so if the plant is exposed to cold air or air movement, the leaves may also curl and turn brown.
Finally, too much direct sunlight can also cause leaves to curl and turn brown, so make sure the plant is not in direct sunlight.
What Causes Calathea Leaves to Curl and Turn Brown?
When it comes to caring for Calathea plants, it is important to pay attention to the condition of the leaves.
If they start to curl and turn brown, this could be a sign of distress.
The cause of this distress could be due to a number of environmental factors, including too much direct sunlight, underwatering, or overwatering.
It is important to assess the environment of the plant and make adjustments to ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, water, and humidity.
Additionally, check for pests, as infestations can contribute to leaf curling and browning.
Too much direct sunlight can be a major factor in Calathea leaf curling and browning.
Calathea plants prefer bright indirect sunlight, instead of direct sunlight, as too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn.
If the leaves are exposed to too much sun, it can cause them to curl and turn brown.
To prevent this, make sure the plant is placed in an area with bright indirect light, and not in an area that gets direct sunlight.
Underwatering can also be a factor in Calathea leaf curling and browning.
Calathea plants prefer to be kept slightly moist, and not allowed to dry out completely.
To prevent this, make sure to water the plant regularly, and only water when the top layer of soil is dry.
Overwatering can also be a factor, as Calathea plants don’t like to be kept too wet.
To prevent this, make sure to only water when the top layer of soil is dry.
It is also important to make sure the plant is getting the right amount of humidity.
Calathea plants prefer high humidity levels, so make sure to mist the plant regularly, or use a humidifier to increase the humidity levels.
Additionally, check for pests, as infestations can contribute to leaf curling and browning.
If you find any pests, make sure to treat the plant accordingly.
With the right care and attention, your Calathea plant can thrive and its leaves will be lush and vibrant.
To ensure your Calathea plants get the right amount of light, water, and humidity, assess the environment of the plant and make the necessary adjustments.
Additionally, make sure to check for pests, as infestations can contribute to leaf curling and browning.
With the right care, your Calathea plant will be healthy and vibrant.
Too Much Direct Sunlight
When it comes to why your Calathea leaves are curling and turning brown, one of the first things to consider is whether the plant is getting too much direct sunlight.
Calathea plants prefer bright, indirect light, and exposure to direct sunlight can cause their leaves to curl and turn brown.
To avoid this, make sure the plant is placed in an area that gets bright light, but not direct sunlight.
If the plant is in a spot that gets direct sunlight for a portion of the day, you can use sheer curtains or blinds to filter the light and protect the plant from the harsh rays.
Additionally, if you find that the plant is not getting enough light and its leaves are drooping, you can move it to a brighter spot.
Underwatering
Underwatering is one of the most common causes of Calathea leaves curling and turning brown.
Calatheas are native to South American rainforests and need consistent moisture to thrive.
When the soil is too dry, it can cause the leaves to curl and brown.
To prevent this, it is important to water your Calathea regularly, but not too often.
Check the soil before watering to make sure it is completely dry.
If it is still damp, wait a few days before watering again.
Additionally, use a pot with drainage holes so that the water can drain out and the plant is not sitting in water.
Overwatering
When it comes to Calathea plants, overwatering can be one of the main causes of leaves curling and turning brown.
This is because the soil can become waterlogged and the roots can be deprived of oxygen.
When this happens, the roots are unable to access vital nutrients and the plant is unable to adequately absorb the water it needs.
As a result, the leaves lose their vibrancy, curl and start to turn brown.
To avoid overwatering, always check the soil before watering.
If the soil is still wet, wait until it is dry before giving the plant more water.
Additionally, it is important to use a pot with drainage holes and a potting mix that drains well.
This will ensure that the water can drain away and the roots will not be sitting in water.
Lastly, make sure to water the plant deeply and evenly, as this will ensure that the roots are getting the moisture they need without becoming waterlogged.
Assessing the Environment
When trying to figure out why your Calathea leaves are curling and turning brown, the first step is to assess the environment of the plant.
This will help you identify any potential problem areas and make adjustments to ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, water, and humidity to thrive.
First, look for any signs of too much direct sunlight.
Calathea plants prefer indirect light and can quickly become scorched or sunburned if exposed to too much direct sunlight.
If youre seeing brown patches or leaves curling inward, it could be a sign of too much exposure to direct sunlight.
Move your Calathea to a spot with indirect light to help it recover.
Next, check for signs of underwatering or overwatering.
Calathea plants prefer evenly moist soil, so its important to water regularly and check the soil to make sure its not too dry or too wet.
If the soil is too dry, the leaves may start to curl and turn brown.
On the other hand, overwatering can cause root rot, which can also result in leaf curling and browning.
To prevent this, make sure the soil is evenly moist but not soggy.
Finally, humidity is also important for Calathea plants.
They prefer high humidity levels, so if the air in your home is too dry, the leaves may start to curl and turn brown.
To increase the humidity around your Calathea, you can mist it with water or place a humidifier nearby.
By assessing the environment of your Calathea plant and making the appropriate adjustments, you can ensure it gets the right amount of light, water, and humidity to thrive.
Additionally, its important to check for pests, as infestations can contribute to leaf curling and browning.
With the right care and attention, your Calathea plant can thrive and its leaves will be lush and vibrant.
Humidity
When it comes to caring for your Calathea plant, humidity is an important factor to consider.
This is because Calatheas are a tropical plant and love warm and humid environments.
If the air around the plant is too dry, then its leaves can start to curl and turn brown.
To ensure your Calathea is getting the humidity it needs, you can use a humidifier to create a more humid atmosphere or mist the leaves of the plant with water.
Additionally, try grouping your plant with other plants that require high levels of humidity to create a more humid environment.
It is important to note, however, that the humidity level should not be too high, as this can cause root rot or other issues.
Checking for Pests
When it comes to diagnosing why your Calatheas leaves are curling and turning brown, it is important to rule out pests as a potential cause.
Common pests that may affect Calathea plants include mealybugs, scale, aphids, and spider mites.
These pests can cause curling and browning of the leaves, as well as discoloration and yellowing.
To check for pests, inspect the underside of the leaves, stems, and potting mix.
If you find any signs of pests, there are a few options available to you.
First, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of the pests.
You may also want to consider introducing beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, to your garden.
These can help to keep the pests in check.
It is also important to remember that, even after getting rid of the pests, the damage to your plant may be irreversible.
If the leaves have already turned brown, they may not return to their original state.
In this case, it may be best to prune the affected leaves and give your Calathea some tender loving care to help it bounce back to health.
Final Thoughts
Keep your Calathea plant looking lush and vibrant by assessing its environment and making adjustments accordingly.
Make sure your plant is getting the right amount of light, water, and humidity, and check for pests to ensure your plant is in the best condition possible.
With the right care and attention, your Calathea plant will be thriving and its leaves will be full and healthy.
So take some time to nurture your Calathea and enjoy its beautiful foliage for many years to come!.