---
title: "My “Stella” Calathea isn’t doing so well. I’m thinking it’s from too…"
description: "My “Stella” Calathea isn’t doing so well. I’m thinking it’s from too much Lyme. What do you guys think and what can I do to save it. I unfortunately don’t have…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/MHDCEEvjSYaZAT8jdVgR2w/90KqRLv5ShmRABWj9t1mvQ"
community: "Prayer Plant Allies"
author: "Leslie"
published: "2024-03-21T21:39:09.183807Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/6gKzwEJY-ezEuSjT7EQ3SbZbRUZnMxTpWBXx4siA9rU/J49UDaT3TBW0AnjMMgvFYg.webp?size=large"
---

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# My “Stella” Calathea isn’t doing so well. I’m thinking it’s from too…

_Posted by Leslie on 2024-03-21_

My “Stella” Calathea isn’t doing so well. I’m thinking it’s from too much Lyme. What do you guys think and what can I do to save it. I unfortunately don’t have rainwater (which I believe is what helps with Lyme sensitivity) and live in Az so it doesn’t rain that often here.

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/6gKzwEJY-ezEuSjT7EQ3SbZbRUZnMxTpWBXx4siA9rU/J49UDaT3TBW0AnjMMgvFYg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/6gKzwEJY-ezEuSjT7EQ3SbZbRUZnMxTpWBXx4siA9rU/nO7YQeAxRuKTtDPPds-2Ug.webp?size=large)

## 11 comments

### Tara 🪴👶🏻 commented on 2024-03-21

Calatheas are fussy. I water mine with distilled water.

#### Leslie replied on 2024-03-25

Thank you!

### Plant Father commented on 2024-03-21

if your tap water is chlorinated i would recommend filtering it and treating with an aquarium water conditioner. filtering the tap water will remove most of the minerals and chemicals and the water conditioner will dissolve any remaining chlorines/chloramines. i advise against distilled water as it’s very expensive (at $1-2 per gallon, you may end up spending hundreds on just water) and also the most wasteful option

#### Leslie replied on 2024-03-25

Thank you!

### Anna commented on 2024-03-22

When my Calathea got real bad I transferred it to water. You would still need to treat the water like plant father said. I just realized I couldn’t keep up with its moisture and humidity needs so putting it in water seemed to make sense. And it’s given me four new beautiful leaves! Just be sure to get all the dirt off if you go that route.

#### Leslie replied on 2024-03-25

Thank you!

### Sockembots commented on 2024-03-22

Calatheas are picky about humidity level too. There are many good and inexpensive ones, plus many other plants will enjoy it. When mine did this I switched to what little rainwater I can collect or room temp Brita filtered water :shrug: I also pruned the damaged leaves to encourage the plant to focus on new growth instead of trying to repair the damaged leaves.

#### Leslie replied on 2024-03-25

Thank you!

### Serene commented on 2024-03-22

Water issue for sure, that’s what the yellowing is from. It also looks like it’s had spider mites, you can tell from all the mottling on the leaves.  
Brita filters don’t actually filter the water very well I’d recommend a zero water filter.  
I would also check it for spider mites, these calatheas in particular are really attracted to them. I check my plants every week and treat every so often as a precaution.  
One thing I will say for that plant is it is tricky to find out what it wants, but it’s also hardy enough it doesn’t just die off instantly. I’ve been going through learning curves with mine, too!

#### Leslie replied on 2024-03-25

Thank you!

#### Plant Father replied on 2024-03-26

i was wondering what the mottling is, makes sense that it’s past pest damage. i would recommend washing the leaves with a castile soap solution (a few drops in water) as it will take care of any mites and clean the leaves

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