---
title: "Update on my striped calathea: It’s getting worse :( the leaves keep…"
description: "Update on my striped calathea: It’s getting worse :( the leaves keep turning yellow and shriveling up. Is there anything I can do to save it? I thought gnats…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/BAlhcvNhQzatWyxRCJGLLA/654552e53ee19e0b813817f2"
community: "Foliage Plant Haven"
author: "Molly 🪴"
published: "2023-11-03T20:07:01.457Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/HyU3IHoOz5L93kdrZUUbwLGpqiNnSUTpi6zIWXR_Kmc/c5e573299b9b47f2b97c402572af5f19.webp?size=large"
---

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# Update on my striped calathea: It’s getting worse :( the leaves keep…

_Posted by Molly 🪴 on 2023-11-03_

Update on my striped calathea:

It’s getting worse :( the leaves keep turning yellow and shriveling up. Is there anything I can do to save it? I thought gnats eating the roots were the issue, so I repotted in leca about a week and a half ago. The roots seem to be doing okay. I also moved it to a bit of a sunnier spot, but it’s not in any direct light. Does anyone have suggestions, or is it toast?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/HyU3IHoOz5L93kdrZUUbwLGpqiNnSUTpi6zIWXR_Kmc/c5e573299b9b47f2b97c402572af5f19.webp?size=large)

## 6 comments

### Cherrybergher commented on 2023-11-03

How much light is it getting? Calathea need a surprising amount of light. I would suggest 600-800 foot candles if you have a light meter. A grow light is ideal but they can tolerate some direct sun. A grow light about 4-6 inches above it will help develop some new growth to replace the dying leaves.

### Plantlicious commented on 2023-11-03

Smh… they’re so finicky. I wish I can help because it’s so cute

### Plant Father commented on 2023-11-03

it could be adjusting to the leca, removing all the soil from the roots will cause all kinds of stress since it’s impossible to avoid removing root hairs as well. what kind of water are you using?

#### Molly 🪴 replied on 2023-11-04

Filtered tap water

#### Plant Father replied on 2023-11-04

tap water (even filtered) will slowly kill your calathea. i would recommend switching to distilled or rainwater and flushing the leca thoroughly before replacing the water. a small amount of fertilizer and superthrive if you have it will help as well

### KelOlivi commented on 2023-11-04

Are you giving it enriched water? Ie distilled water with semi hydro specific Fertilizer? Semi hydro plants need to be in enriched water to flourished. You could also try putting a sleeve on the vase to give the roots more darkness, should help them adjust to semi hydro

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