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Hello all! I’ve had a calathea dottie now for about 3 months. I have… | Pests, diseases and problems | Planta community

Violet

Hello all! I’ve had a calathea dottie now for about 3 months. I have noticed plant growth since I got it but the leaves keep curling and turning dark brown. I have a humidifier on in the day while it’s light and turn it off when it’s dark. The humidity in my room stays in the 50-60 range As far as I can tell I have done everything to stop this happening. I now have reminders on my phone to water her so that I have a more regular watering routine. The issue I think may be the problem is living in England, and it being winter at the moment, since I cannot keep my room a single temperature. I need the radiator on to keep my room at about 20-23 C, however that eats away at the humidity in my room because it drys out the air. At an estimate my room is just over 3x4m2 and has three massive windows that provide the plant with more than enough indirect but bright light. However because half my room is window, the insulation SHOCKING (photo below) I’m going to add in a photo of my plant, if anyone could give me some tips they’d be greatly appreciated! This calathea is my first plant and I had no idea what I was in for 😭 (The last photo shows where my plant is positioned in my room)

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2 likes 7 comments

7 comments

  1. Shamana

    It’s a prayer plant so I think the leaves are suppose to curl up sometimes

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  2. Molly 🪴

    A calathea is a tough first plant to own! That’s not normal curling for the leaves. I’ve heard that using distilled water instead of tap can help :)

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    • Violet

      I do use a water filter for watering the plants, and in the humidifier. Although it is time to change my filter so I will try that! :)

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  3. FriendofVeg

    If you haven’t yet, it may be worth treating for pests (spider mites specifically) just in case that’s at play. And you’re right, they need pretty high humidity to thrive.

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  4. PlantLady

    I have a ton of Calatheas and they are all in well draining soil and doing well. Your soil looks very wet. Do you water it on a regular schedule or water it depending on how dry the soil is?

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    • Violet

      I water it once a week and and have a well draining perlite soil (I’m not to sure which!) do you have any recommendations for potting mix? That’s what I’ll try next!

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    • PlantLady

      I make my own mix, but a simple version is about 60/40 potting mix to perlite. Always check the soil before watering and if it’s still damp, then wait to water until the soil is mostly dry.

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