---
title: "Just noticed this damage on the back of a calathea. Looks like water…"
description: "Just noticed this damage on the back of a calathea. Looks like water damage but I’m not sure. Two larger leaves have gone ugly in the edges. I think I’m gonna…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/QP7HsLVHY6I99mMMcehFEG?language=nl"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "RootHappy"
published: "2025-05-01T18:42:09.646911Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/JmgFfd6xh_KzjBfyfdqdL6P4aOjz6Eya704HW0f4FBc/6dEF0-QvRgiK5iHleXBZzw.webp?size=large"
---

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# Just noticed this damage on the back of a calathea. Looks like water…

_Geplaatst door RootHappy op 2025-05-01_

Just noticed this damage on the back of a calathea. Looks like water damage but I’m not sure. Two larger leaves have gone ugly in the edges. I think I’m gonna have to cut her back a lot and start over, hmmmm

![Bijlage 1 van 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/JmgFfd6xh_KzjBfyfdqdL6P4aOjz6Eya704HW0f4FBc/6dEF0-QvRgiK5iHleXBZzw.webp?size=large)

![Bijlage 2 van 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/JmgFfd6xh_KzjBfyfdqdL6P4aOjz6Eya704HW0f4FBc/Ies_ZkHTR8K7-YS3VA-kfw.webp?size=large)

## 7 reacties

### RootHappy reageerde op 2025-05-01

Actually now I’m looking at her it’s several leaves. Any idea what can be causing her stress?

![Bijlage 1 van 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/JmgFfd6xh_KzjBfyfdqdL6P4aOjz6Eya704HW0f4FBc/i4pm23srQtGIyQvhGjEMbw.webp?size=large)

### Sunny reageerde op 2025-05-01

Is it growing in moss or is there soil underneath the moss? Remove the moss if there is soil underneath to allow the soil to dry out.

#### RootHappy antwoordde op 2025-05-01

There is soil under the moss, the moss was just to add to humidity for her specifically

#### Sunny antwoordde op 2025-05-01

That doesn’t increase humidity very much. It does harbor fungus gnats sitting over the soil. The worst damage is slowing evaporation from the soil and extending time the roots sit in water leading to root rot.

#### RootHappy antwoordde op 2025-05-01

Boy did I just find out you are 100% correct just now. She was very dry under there and the moss was gnat heavy, so yay. Cut her back quite a bit and gave her some 3% mix in the hopes she recovers

### Amy reageerde op 2025-05-01

Is it humidity? I don’t have an orbifolia, but my calathea white fusion demands high humidity. If not the leaf tips get crispy

#### RootHappy antwoordde op 2025-05-01

She’s in about 87%, so I’m not sure what she’s dealing with. I’m thinking maybe she is staying too wet when the mister goes off? I’m gonna do some cutting back tonight and see if I can help her recover

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