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Why Are My Calathea Leaves Curling? Reasons & How To Fix

One of the most common problems with Calatheas is when the leaf starts to curl. Why are my calathea leaves curling? Do you have a Calathea that is losing its leaf and starting to curl?

These plants are beautiful, but like most plants, they can get sick. It could be a sign that your tree is not getting enough light, or it might be due to overwatering.

Don’t worry; we’re here to help! Read our article on why the leaves are curling now! This article will explain why Calathea’s leaves are curling and how you can fix the problem. We’ll also give you tips on caring for your tree so it stays healthy and looks beautiful.

Why Are My Calathea Leaves Curling?

The Calathea are curling, which is a sign of not enough water or underwatering. Here, we will go through some of the other main reasons:

Too Dry

The first and most obvious reason for leaf curl is a lack of water. When the soil around your tree is dry, the leaf will droop and curve inward to conserve water.

Because of this, these plants must be kept in moist soil at all times. Check the soil and water your tree accordingly if the leaves are curling. The curling leaf happens when the tree doesn’t get enough water, and the leaf starts to droop and curve inward to conserve water. It means the tree is too dry, and you must water it.

If you think your tree is too dry, give it a good watering, making sure that water flows out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Avoid overwatering, as this can also lead to leaf curling. When doing this, there are things you should consider. The first is the size of your pot. If it’s small, it will dry out faster, so water it more frequently.

The second is the type of potting mix you’re using. If it’s fast-draining, it will also dry out quickly, so water more often. You should consider your plant’s environment. It will dry out faster if it’s sunny than if it’s in a shady spot.

Another factor is the temperature. In warmer weather, your plants will dry out faster than in cooler weather. And the humidity levels play a role. If the air is dry, your tree will dry out faster. Moreover, if you have a fan on or the air conditioner is running, this will also dry out your tree faster.

Too Much Water

When a plant’s roots sit in water for too long, they start to rot. It will cause the leaves to curl as the tree tries to save itself. Calathea leaves curl if the plant gets too much water. If you think your tree is getting too much water, check the roots and adjust your watering accordingly.

When you find your Calathea curling leaves are too damp, you should stop watering them for a while and check the roots. If they are rotten, you need to trim them. After that, change the potting mix and make sure the pot has drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.

It’s important to note that too much or too little water isn’t the only thing that can cause leaf curling.

Check for calathea’s leaves when they’re curling

Temperature Shock

Another common reason for calathea leaf curling is temperature shock. When the tree is exposed to drastic changes in temperature, the leaves will start to curl as a way to protect themselves.

If you think your tree is experiencing a temperature shock, adjust the temperature accordingly. If you live in an area with many temperature changes, keeping your tree indoors, where the temperature is more stable, is best. If you need to move your tree outdoors, do so gradually so that it can get used to the new temperature.

Light Shock

Another reason for Calathea’s curling is a light shock. When a tree is exposed to too much or too little light, the leaves will start to curl as a way to protect themselves.

Adjust the light accordingly if you think your tree is experiencing a light shock. If you live in an area with a lot of sunlight, keeping your tree in a spot that gets indirect sunlight is best. If you live in an area with less sunlight, try placing your greenery near a window that gets plenty of light. You may also need to experiment with different light bulbs to find one that works best for your plant.

Moreover, these plants are native to tropical climates and do not do well in cold temperatures. If the temperature in your home gets too cold, the leaves will start to curl as a way to protect themselves from the cold. If you think your plant is experiencing light shock or cold damage, adjust the light and temperature accordingly. You may also need to provide additional humidity if the air in your home is too dry.

Pests

Pests can also be a cause of leaf curling in Calathea. If you notice that the leaves are curled and small insects are on the plant, pests are likely the culprits.

The most common pests that affect greenery are spider mites and mealybugs. Therefore, when you see pests on your plant, you should take action to get rid of them. The best way to do this is to rinse the plant with water and then treat it with a pesticide. You may also need to quarantine the plant if the infestation is severe.

Pests can also be a cause of leaf curling in Calathea

Disease

The most common diseases that affect plants are fungi such as powdery mildew and botrytis. The disease can also cause leaf curling. If you notice that the leaves are curled and there are spots on the greenery, the disease is likely the culprit.

If you think your plant has a disease, it is best to take it to a local nursery or greenhouse. The professionals there will be able to identify the disease and give you advice on how to treat it. You can also try treating the plant yourself with a fungicide. Be sure to follow the directions on the package, and don’t use a fungicide more than is necessary. Overusing fungicides can damage the plant and make it more susceptible to disease in the future.

Over-fertilized

Another reason why leaves curl is overfertilization. If you notice that the leaves are curled and have a white powder on the plant, your plant has likely been over-fertilized.

When you over-fertilize this plant, the excess fertilizer can build up in the soil and make the leaves curl. If you think your plant has been over-fertilized, flush the soil with water to remove the excess fertilizer. You may also need to repot the plant in fresh potting mix.

In summary, there are several reasons why calathea curls. The most common reasons are light shock, pests, disease, and over-fertilization. If the leaves on your plant are curled, adjust the light, temperature, humidity, and fertilizer accordingly. You may also need to treat the plant for pests or diseases.

Conclusion

Why are my Calathea leaves curling? The leaves of a Calathea may curl for a variety of reasons. One possibility is that it is not getting enough water—an easy problem to fix. Another reason may be that the plant needs more light, or it could be due to temperature fluctuations.

If you have ruled out all of these possibilities and your Calatheas’ leaves are still curling, it might be time to call in an expert. A professional can help you determine what is causing the issue and how best to address it so your beautiful Calathea can thrive. So, if you’re noticing some leaf curling on your calathea, don’t worry; there are several things you can do to help fix the problem.

FAQs

  1. Why Is My Calathea Drooping?

    There could be several reasons your tree is drooping, but the most likely explanation is that it needs more water. The most common reason a houseplant hangs is that the soil is too dry. If the leaves of your Calathea are drooping and the soil is dry, water it immediately. However, you may have overwatered your greenery if the soil is wet or soggy. In this case, allow the soil to dry out before watering again.

  2. Why Is My Calathea Dying?

    The first thing you should do is figure out why your Calathea is dying. There are a few things that could be causing this, such as overwatering, underwatering, pests, or diseases. You should also consider repotting your Calathea, as this could help to revive it. Once you determine the cause of death, you can take steps to remedy the situation. If you think that overwatering is the problem, you will need to water your plant less often. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. You can also try using a pot with drainage holes to help prevent overwatering.

  3. Why Is My Calathea Turning Yellow?

    The Calathea may be turning yellow because of overwatering. If the pot is constantly wet, the roots will rot, and the leaves will turn yellow. Moreover, the plant may be getting too much or too little sunlight. The leaves will turn yellow if they are not getting enough light. Also, make sure to fertilize the Calathea regularly. If the leaves turn yellow, check the roots to see if they're rotting.

Kelly Lawrence

Kelly Lawrence

Kelly Lawrence is the CEO of Swipe Garden. Over 10 years in the writing and passion for gardening, she brings a wealth of expertise and creativity to the world of gardening. Kelly Lawrence has cultivated a community of plant lovers, making gardening accessible and enjoyable for all.