---
title: "I bought this striped calathea back in Sept of 2023. It came with…"
description: "I bought this striped calathea back in Sept of 2023. It came with some yellowing and random holes (1&3 pic) then the leaves began to curl and wilt (2nd pic). I…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/aGAK-4ayRFKntIfFxTpxsQ/65a96500761ef75324dcdbf0"
community: "Expert Level Greenspace"
author: "Madeline"
published: "2024-01-18T17:50:56.126Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/CBXp9ZgSaKDyTpHFWM3uiIsRjroOW7kFI25e1347XFI/43e228a5084e404a80b11fd586e0d522.webp?size=large"
---

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# I bought this striped calathea back in Sept of 2023. It came with…

_Posted by Madeline on 2024-01-18_

I bought this striped calathea back in Sept of 2023. It came with some yellowing and random holes (1\&3 pic) then the leaves began to curl and wilt (2nd pic). I changed the soil to potting soil and began watering with filtered water and it looked much better (4th pic) but now it’s back to what it looks like in the 2nd pic! Pls help I love this plant so much!! I do have it near a grow light but not under it, maybe that’s the problem?? I have it on scheduled watering so it shouldn’t be over/underwatered.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/CBXp9ZgSaKDyTpHFWM3uiIsRjroOW7kFI25e1347XFI/43e228a5084e404a80b11fd586e0d522.webp?size=large)

## 10 comments

### Riley commented on 2024-01-18

Plants usually don’t like being watered on a schedule. Most prefer to dry out completely between waterings, and should be checked before being watered.

### letsfindjoy commented on 2024-01-18

Use planta as a reminder to check soil for dryness level and then water or snooze based on the needs of the plant. Also, they like distilled water, and while filtered is better than tap for sure, from what I’ve read these guys still need distilled.

#### Plant Father replied on 2024-01-18

distilled water is unnecessary and wasteful… i always recommend rain water, or filtering tap water and treating with aquarium water conditioner to remove chemical additives

#### letsfindjoy replied on 2024-01-18

Interesting!

### Women are Water commented on 2024-01-18

Please don’t let calathea dry out completely. They are thirsty tropical plants. That like Dappled light. They live under a canopy in their natural environment. But don’t worry. They are resilient and will likely continue to push out new growth. Unfortunately they do like a higher level of humidity so since we don’t really provide the same conditions as these nurseries we have to do the best w can until the new leaves on the plant can adapt

#### Madeline replied on 2024-01-18

Thank you, I will try this!

### Plant Father commented on 2024-01-18

do you have a humidifier running? if not, i’d recommend getting one or at least a hygrometer to check on your household humidity. anything under 50% and the leaves will start to crisp on the edges. always wait until at least the top 1/2” or so of soil is dry before watering again to prevent root rot. and to prevent symptoms of drought like curled leaves, be sure that you are watering frequently enough that the soil never dries out more than halfway.

#### Plant Father replied on 2024-01-18

also, for future reference, the appropriate group for questions like this is “pests, diseases, and problems”— this group is meant for more in-depth, science-y discussions around horticulture

#### Madeline replied on 2024-01-18

Oh sorry, I had no clue. Thank you for letting me know!

#### Madeline replied on 2024-01-18

I do have a humidifier running but I could move it.. I’m sure with the winter and heat on humidity is low.

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