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I’ve had this calathea for a couple months now, and have had a… | Pests, diseases and problems | Planta community

Kallie

I’ve had this calathea for a couple months now, and have had a terrible time. I finally moved it to a self watering pot because I wasn’t sure if I was letting the soil dry out too quickly, but the research I’ve done said it could be a light problem too. I’ve checked for pests, and nothing. I water it with well water, which could be part of the problem. Any suggestions?

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10 comments

  1. MicAZ

    Mine was the same way. With those thin spots on the leaves, have you checked for pests under the leaves? I had spider mites 😞

    1 like
    • Kallie

      I’ve looked and haven’t seen anything, but I’ll definitely have to do a more thorough look to make sure

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    • MicAZ

      These Calatheas are a chore regardless, lol. But they’re so pretty!

      4 likes
  2. KJM

    Humidity? Although well water doesn't have the chemicals that City water has, some plants can still be sensitive to minerals in the well source. It's hard to say because it is so variable between Wells and plant varieties.

    4 likes
  3. c.cat

    hi! do you know what is in your well water? these guys are sensitive to lime and other chemicals in the water. this causes the crispy edges and tips. low humidity also does this, but in my experience, to a much lesser degree. i would either get your water tested if possible, or use rain/distilled/RO :) you can also trim off the crispy bits to get it looking a little better, but you dont have to! hope this helps!!

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    • Kallie

      I believe it is some limestone, and some calcium. I have a small humidifier, but the calathea isn’t very close to it. I might have to try watering with a different type of water thank you!!

      1 like
  4. Kallie

    Could it also be sunburn perhaps? I read they don’t like a lot of light, and while it’s in a window that doesn’t get an overly large amount of light, could it be getting too much?

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    • c.cat

      what direction does the window face?

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    • Kallie

      North/northwest

      0 likes
  5. Wolfen 🐺

    I would try grabbing some distilled water. Flush the soil with it really well, if not change it out completely. And then water with the distilled. It's really the only way to tell if it's the water. And they're very sensitive to water minerals and chemicals

    1 like