Arthur R.

Saving a dying calathea can feel like a challenge, but don’t worry—it’s not impossible. These plants can be a little dramatic, but with the right care, you can bring them back to life and keep them thriving. If your calathea is looking sad, curling up, or turning brown, there’s still hope. Let’s go step by step and figure out what’s going wrong.

Check the Watering Routine

One of the biggest reasons calatheas struggle is improper watering. Too much or too little, and they’ll let you know by curling their leaves, developing crispy edges, or looking droopy.

• Too dry? If the soil feels bone dry, your plant is thirsty. Give it a thorough watering, letting the excess drain out. But don’t let it sit in water—that’s a fast track to root rot.

• Too wet? Soggy soil is just as bad. If the roots stay wet for too long, they’ll rot, and your plant will start wilting or getting yellow leaves. If this is the case, you might need to repot it in fresh, well-draining soil.

Try to keep the soil lightly moist but not soaking. Stick your finger into the soil—if the top inch is dry, it’s time for a drink.

Boost the Humidity

Calatheas love humidity. In a dry environment, they’ll start getting crispy, brown edges on their leaves. If that’s happening, it’s a sign the air is too dry.

• Misting? Some people swear by misting, but honestly, it’s not the best long-term fix.

• Humidifier? This is a much better option. A humidifier will keep the air consistently moist, which calatheas love.
• Pebble tray? Placing your plant on a tray with water and pebbles can help, but don’t expect miracles.

• Grouping plants together? This can create a little microclimate of humidity, which can help too.

Check the Light Situation

Calatheas aren’t fans of harsh, direct sunlight. If your plant is getting too much sun, its leaves might fade, curl, or get brown spots.

• Too much light? Move it away from direct sun or use sheer curtains to soften the light.

• Too little light? If it’s in a dark corner, it might struggle. Try moving it to a spot with bright, indirect light.

A happy calathea gets just the right balance—bright but indirect light keeps it thriving.

Avoid Tap Water (If You Can)

These plants can be fussy about the type of water they get. If you notice brown tips even though humidity and watering seem fine, minerals or chemicals in tap water might be the problem.

• Try filtered, distilled, or rainwater. This can make a huge difference.

• Let tap water sit overnight. This allows chlorine to evaporate, making it a bit gentler on your plant.

Feed It (But Not Too Much)

A little fertilizer helps calatheas grow, but too much can burn their roots. If you haven’t been feeding your plant, try a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Skip feeding in the winter when growth slows down.

Inspect for Pests

If your calathea is struggling despite getting the right care, pests could be the culprit. Spider mites love these plants and can cause leaves to look dull, dry, and speckled.

• Check under the leaves. Spider mites are tiny but leave behind little webbing.
• Wipe the leaves. A damp cloth or a gentle shower can help remove pests.

• Use neem oil or insecticidal soap. If you spot an infestation, treat it quickly before it spreads.

Repot If Necessary

If your calathea is really struggling, repotting might be the answer. Over time, soil gets compacted, which can cause drainage issues. If you suspect root rot, take the plant out of its pot, trim any mushy roots, and repot it in fresh, well-draining soil.

Be Patient

Once you make adjustments, give your calathea time to recover. New growth is a good sign that it’s bouncing back. Keep up with good care, and you’ll see improvement.

Calatheas might be a little fussy, but once you get the hang of their needs, they’re incredibly rewarding plants. Keep their environment consistent, and they’ll reward you with those stunning, patterned leaves. So, don’t give up just yet—your calathea can still make a comeback!