How To Fix Calathea Yellow Leaves

Calathea plants are known for their beautiful, patterned leaves and vibrant colors. However, one common issue that Calathea owners may encounter is yellow leaves. This can be a frustrating problem, as it can detract from the plant’s overall appearance and may indicate that something is wrong with the plant’s care. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of Calathea yellow leaves and provide tips on how to prevent and fix this issue.

9 Reasons For Calathea Yellow Leaves

If you’ve noticed your Calathea plant’s leaves turning yellow, you’re not alone! It’s a common problem, and there are several causes.

Overwatering: One of the most common causes of yellow leaves in Calathea plants is overwatering. When the soil is consistently too wet, the roots can suffocate and begin to rot, which can lead to yellowing leaves.
Underwatering: On the other hand, underwatering can also cause yellow leaves as the plant doesn’t have enough water to support the growth and the leaves turn yellow and dry.
Incorrect Light: Calathea plants prefer bright, indirect light, and too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to yellow.
Pests: Yellow leaves can also be a sign of a pest infestation, such as spider mites or mealybugs.
Disease: Some diseases, such as root rot or powdery mildew, can cause yellow leaves in Calathea plants.
Nutrient Deficiency: If a Calathea plant is not getting enough nutrients, the leaves can turn yellow.
Temperature: Calathea plants prefer temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and temperatures that are too high or too low can cause yellow leaves.
Humidity: Calathea plants thrive in high-humidity environments, and low humidity can cause the leaves to yellow.
Age: Old leaves may yellow and die off naturally as the plant grows new leaves.

It’s important to keep in mind that these are just some of the potential causes of yellow leaves in Calathea plants, and identifying the specific cause can be difficult without a proper diagnosis.

How To Fix Calathea Yellow Leaves

Now that you have determined the reason for the yellowing leaves on your Calathea plant, it is time to take action and fix the problem. Each cause requires a specific solution, so it’s important to understand the underlying issue before attempting to fix it.

1. Overwatering

To fix yellow leaves caused by overwatering, the first step is to allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. You can also increase the drainage of the soil by adding perlite or coarse sand to the potting mix. Be sure to also check for signs of root rot, such as mushy or foul-smelling soil, and trim any affected roots.

2. Underwatering

To fix yellow leaves caused by underwatering, increase the frequency of watering, but be sure to not over-water. Also, check the soil moisture level, if the soil is dry, then water the plant.

3. Incorrect Light

To fix yellow leaves caused by incorrect lighting, move the plant to a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.

4. Pests

To fix yellow leaves caused by pests, you will need to identify the specific type of pest and take appropriate action. Some common pests that affect Calathea plants include spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.

5. Disease

To fix yellow leaves caused by disease, you will need to identify the specific disease and take appropriate action. Some common diseases that affect Calathea plants include root rot and powdery mildew. If you suspect root rot, trim any affected roots and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil. If you suspect powdery mildew, remove any affected leaves and increase the humidity around the plant.

6. Nutrient Deficiency

To fix yellow leaves caused by nutrient deficiency, fertilize the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Be sure to follow the package instructions and avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause damage to the plant.

7. Temperature

To fix yellow leaves caused by temperature, move the plant to a location with temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing the plant in drafty or excessively hot or cold areas.

8. Humidity

To fix yellow leaves caused by low humidity, increase the humidity around the plant by using a humidifier, placing the plant on a tray of wet pebbles, or misting the leaves regularly.

9. Age

To fix yellow leaves caused by age, simply remove the yellow leaves as they appear. Keep in mind that it is normal for older leaves to yellow and die off as the plant grows new leaves.

Remember, with the right care and attention, your Calathea plant can bounce back and regain its vibrant, green leaves. Following the appropriate steps to address the yellowing leaves, with patience and persistence, you’ll be able to revive your Calathea and enjoy its beauty once again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Cut Yellow Leaves Off Calathea?

Yes, it is generally a good idea to cut off yellow leaves from a Calathea plant. Yellow leaves are a sign that the leaf is no longer healthy and is not contributing to the overall health of the plant. Removing the yellow leaves allows the plant to redirect energy to the healthy leaves and promote new growth.

It’s important to note that yellow leaves caused by age is normal, and you can remove them without causing any harm to the plant. However, if yellow leaves are caused by other issues such as pests, diseases, or environmental conditions, it’s important to address the underlying problem before cutting off the leaves, so that the problem won’t persist.

When removing yellow leaves, use sharp, clean scissors or pruners to make a clean cut at the base of the leaf. Don’t pull the leaf out by hand as it could damage the stem. It’s also important to remove any yellow leaves as soon as you notice them to prevent the spread of any potential disease.

Can Yellow Leaves Turn Green Again?

It’s unlikely for yellow leaves to turn green again once they have yellowed. Yellow leaves are a sign that the leaf is no longer healthy and is not receiving the necessary nutrients and energy to survive. The leaf is no longer photosynthesizing and is unable to produce chlorophyll, which is responsible for the green color of leaves.

When a leaf is yellow, it is in the process of dying and will eventually fall off the plant. The plant will grow new leaves to replace the old ones. By removing the yellow leaves, you are allowing the plant to redirect energy to the healthy leaves and promote new growth.

How Do You Get Calathea To Put Out New Leaves?

There are several steps you can take to encourage your Calathea to put out new leaves:

Provide the right amount of water: Calathea plants prefer to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Provide the right amount of light: Calathea plants prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves and inhibit growth.
Provide the right temperature and humidity: Calathea plants prefer temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity.
Fertilize: Fertilize your Calathea plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Be sure to follow the package instructions and avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the plant.
Prune: Prune away any yellow or damaged leaves to encourage new growth.
Repotting: Repotting your Calathea in fresh, well-draining soil can also help encourage new growth.
Keep an eye on pests and diseases: Pests and diseases can inhibit the growth of your Calathea. Keep an eye out for any sign of infestation and take appropriate action.

If you’ve addressed all of the above, you should start to see new growth soon. With the proper care, you can get your Calathea to put out lush new leaves in no time.

How Do I Know If My Calathea Needs Water?

Here are some signs that your Calathea may need water:

The soil is dry to the touch: You can check the moisture level of the soil by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water.
The leaves are drooping or wilting: Calathea leaves will droop or wilt if they don’t have enough water.
The leaves are turning yellow: Yellow leaves can be a sign of overwatering or underwatering. If the leaves are yellow and the soil is dry, it needs water. But if the leaves are yellow and the soil is wet, it may be overwatered.
The leaves are crisp or brittle: If the leaves are crisp or brittle, it’s a sign that the plant is not getting enough water.
The leaves are curling: Curling leaves can be a sign of water stress.

It’s important to note that each plant has its own water requirements, and the frequency of watering will depend on factors such as the size of the plant, the size of the pot, the type of soil, and the humidity level. It’s best to check the soil moisture level regularly and adjust watering accordingly. It’s also important to not over-water your calathea as it can lead to root rot, which can also cause yellowing of leaves.

What Does An Overwatered Calathea Look Like?

An overwatered Calathea plant will have several signs, including:

Soil that is consistently and excessively wet: The soil will be soggy and may have standing water in the saucer or pot.
Yellowing leaves: The leaves may turn yellow and fall off, as the roots suffocate and begin to rot.
Mushy or foul-smelling soil: Overwatered soil will have a mushy or foul smell, indicating that the roots are rotting.
Black or brown roots: The roots may turn black or brown, indicating that they have rotted.
Stem or leaves may appear translucent: Due to the lack of oxygen, plant cells die and the stem or leaves may appear translucent.
Leaf or stem may appear to be mushy or soft: Due to the lack of oxygen, plant cells die and the stem or leaves may appear mushy or soft.

If you suspect that your Calathea is overwatered, it’s important to take action immediately. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again, and make sure that the pot has good drainage. You may also need to repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil and trim any affected roots.

How Often Should Calathea Be Watered?

The frequency of watering a Calathea plant depends on several factors, including the size of the plant, the size of the pot, the type of soil, and the humidity level. In general, Calathea plants prefer to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

A good rule of thumb is to check the moisture level of the soil by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. You can also lift the pot, if it feels light, it needs water.

In general, it’s recommended to water Calathea once a week, but you should adjust watering frequency based on the specific circumstances of your plant. For example, in a dry, hot environment, you may need to water more frequently, while in a cool, humid environment, you may be able to water less frequently.

Can I Give Calathea Tap Water?

It’s generally not recommended to give Calathea tap water, as it can contain chlorine, fluoride, and other minerals that can be harmful to the plant. These chemicals can cause leaf burn, discoloration and can inhibit growth. Chlorine and fluoride can also build up in the soil over time, making it difficult for the plant to absorb the necessary nutrients.

It’s best to use distilled or purified water, or allow tap water to sit out overnight before using it to allow the chlorine to evaporate. Rainwater or collected water is also a good option for Calathea, as it is free of chlorine and other chemicals.

It’s also important to check the pH level of the water you’re giving to your Calathea as Calathea plants prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 6.0 to 6.5. If the pH level of your tap water is too high or too low, it can affect the growth of the plant.

In summary, while tap water is safe to use, it’s best to use purified water or rainwater to ensure that your Calathea is getting the best quality water and to prevent any chemical build up in the soil.

Should I Mist My Calathea Daily?

Misting Calathea plants can help to increase humidity and prevent dry, crispy leaves, but it’s not necessary to mist your Calathea daily.

Calathea plants prefer high humidity, around 60-70% is ideal, and misting can help to maintain that humidity level. If the humidity level in your home is low, you can mist your Calathea once or twice a week to help maintain the humidity level.

It’s important to use room temperature water when misting, and to avoid misting the leaves when the plant is in direct sunlight, as this can lead to leaf burn. Also, avoid misting too close to the plant or getting water on the leaves as it can lead to leaf rot.

You can also increase humidity around your Calathea by placing a tray of wet pebbles near the plant, using a humidifier, or grouping plants together to create a micro-climate.

In summary, misting your Calathea can be beneficial, but it’s not necessary to mist daily. You should adjust the frequency of misting based on the humidity level in your home and the specific needs of your plant.

Can I Wipe My Calathea Leaves?

Yes, you can wipe the leaves of your Calathea plant, but it’s important to be gentle and use the right method.

Wiping the leaves of your Calathea can help to remove dust, dirt, or other debris that can accumulate on the leaves, which can inhibit photosynthesis and reduce the overall health of the plant.

A soft, damp cloth or a soft-bristled brush can be used to gently wipe the leaves. You should avoid using any harsh chemicals or detergents on the leaves, as these can damage the leaves and cause discoloration.

You should also avoid wiping the leaves when the plant is in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to dry out and become crispy. It’s best to wipe the leaves in the morning or evening when the plant is in the shade or low light.

Do Calatheas Like Direct Sunlight?

Calathea plants do not like direct sunlight. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions, where they grow under the canopy of taller trees and prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to yellow, dry out, or get sunburned. The leaves may also become crispy and discolored.

Calathea plants will do well in a room that gets bright, filtered light, or near a north or east-facing window. They can also tolerate low light conditions, but they may not produce as many new leaves.

It’s important to monitor the light levels in the area where you keep your Calathea, if you notice that the leaves are yellowing, or if the plant seems to be stretching towards the light, it may be getting too little light. If you notice that the leaves are getting sunburned or crispy, it may be getting too much light.

What Soil Should I Use For Calathea?

Calathea plants prefer a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix with a pH of around 6.0 to 6.5. A good potting mix for Calathea should contain a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.

A good potting mix should also have good water retention, while also allowing for good drainage to prevent waterlogging and root rot. You can also add some coarse sand or perlite to the mix to increase drainage.

You can also use a commercial potting mix formulated for tropical plants or African violets, which should contain a similar combination of ingredients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Calathea yellow leaves are a common problem, but with the right care and attention, it is possible to fix the problem and revive your Calathea plant. Yellow leaves can be caused by a variety of factors, including overwatering, underwatering, incorrect light, pests, disease, nutrient deficiency, temperature, humidity, and age. By understanding the underlying cause of the yellowing leaves, you can take the appropriate steps to address the problem and bring your Calathea plant back to health.