Why Are My Calathea Leaves Curling?

Is your calathea placed in full sun?

Is the room where you keep your calathea colder than 60 °F or warmer than 85 °F?

Did you provide a humid environment for your calathea?

Do you use tap water when you're watering your calathea?

Wild calathea plants grow beneath the canopies of tropical rainforests. These plants thrive in shady, low-light conditions that mimic the cool undergrowth of their traditional home. Calatheas often curl their leaves in an attempt to reduce the amount of light exposure. Find a shady spot with a moderate amount of ambient room light.

Calathea plants like to grow in temperatures that mimic their native environment. If your plant gets too cold, it will curl up in an attempt to keep itself warm. If it gets too hot, the leaves will start to dry up and shrivel. Both problems can be corrected by adjusting the temperature in the plant’s environment. The best temperature for a calathea plant is between 60-85°F. If your room is between these temperatures and the leaves are curling, try adjusting the thermostat towards the 75°F.

Humidity is essential for a healthy calathea. These plants absorb moisture through their wide leaves. If the air dries up, the leaves will start to curl and yellow. You may also notice a rough or brittle texture, and the edges of the leaves might break when touched. Place your plant on a bed of pebbles or peat moss submerged in water. The water will evaporate throughout the day, creating a humid environment. As long as the pool of water is not directly touching the roots of the plant, this method usually provides enough ambient moisture to keep your plant healthy.

A common cause of sick calatheas is an overabundance of minerals in the water source. Tap water often has a high level of salt that will cause your calathea to wilt and fade. If your calathea is suffering from a hard water problem, you’ll notice that the leaves have yellow edges, and you might even see a buildup of salt on the surface of the soil. switch to distilled or bottled water. Depending on where you live, you can also collect rainwater to use on your plants.

Like most houseplants, calatheas need a very specific amount of water to stay healthy. Too little water will cause the leaves to dry out and curl up. Too much water will “drown” the plant, causing root rot, resulting in curled calathea leaves and a very unhappy plant. Your calathea’s soil should feel damp but not soggy. Check the moisture levels at least once a day using a stick or your fingertip. The top of the soil should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings, but you should always be able to find moisture about an inch beneath the surface.