I bought this calathea about six months ago. At first, it was adapting really well and even started putting out new leaves. But once summer began, things went downhill. The weather was hot and dry — which it clearly didn’t like — and then it got thrips. I managed to deal with them, but they made a comeback later. Now the plant looks strange underneath the leaves, and whenever I touch or smear those spots, they leave behind a purple-tinted trail. I’m afraid it might be fungal?
I don’t know what to do, I’m usually very careful and lucky with calatheas and marantas, but this one is definitely a fighter.
by scarletmotels
7 Comments
what type of water? Using distilled water is best with these plants.
This is a more resilient Calathea but still quite temperamental. Try a pebble tray to boost humidity and only use distilled water
My medallion started to get like this at the end of summer, and has been a lot better since moving it into the bathroom. Gets a lot more humidity now, and no more brown spots.
Unrelated but I love the Berner art 🙂
My calathea ornata looks a lot like this. I’m convinced it’s lack of humidity and a vitamin supplement I used :-/. Humidity is high enough, but all of my maranta and calathea like 80% humidity or higher- around the clock. I’m hoping we’ll make it thru the winter but it’s only October and we’re not looking great :-/
Is it getting enough indirect sunlight?? Are you fertilizing it? Do you keep it at a nice even moisture? Not drowning not totally drying out?? I also mist mine a few times a week. I know people swear by distilled water.But I only water with tap water.Although I know the building has a good filter. Per the suggestion of a professional growing friend, I do let the water sit for twenty four hours before I use it. She said to do that with both plain and fertilizer waters
That’s my checklist. Typically, the brown edges come from lack of sun. Mine almost died about a year ago.Because we were in a hotel room and neither one of us was getting enough sun. It has made a stunning comeback.And even the leaves that have the brown are thriving. As i’ve always said, I consider i’m not perfect.And life has been hard lately, and my plant reflected that as well. And now we’re all doing better!!
There’s a tiny dog in it, for one thing
Nobody’s said it yet: that looks like spider mite damage. Are you sure there’s no pests?