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This here is, ZEBBY; that’s what I call her. She’s a pill and a half,… | Anything about plants | Planta community

Lynda

This here is, ZEBBY; that’s what I call her. She’s a pill and a half, as many of you know who love Calatheas. I’ve been having trouble with the edges of her leaves turning brown; I assume it’s because she’s not getting enough humidity. However, I have a humidifier within 12 feet of her that stays between 50 and 60% humidity. I spritz her regularly; don’t know if that helps or not. And just recently, I put humidity tray under her. I’m noticing that the tray gets a yucky yellow orange color around the edges of the water. I’m wondering if I could put a couple drops of bleach in the water to help keep the tray clean. WILL ANY FUMES FROM THE BLEACH HARM MY PLANT? I know I’d only be putting a couple drops in the water, but you all know how Calatheas are… picky, picky, picky…🙄! Also, those of you who tend to these “ Sarah Bernhardts”, I’d love to hear any care advice you may have gathered over the long-haul raising these drama queens. TIA. 🤗💚🪴

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7 comments

  1. Wolfen 🐺

    I wouldn't put bleach in, just incase she came in contact with it. But also, yes the fumes could affect her. You could use peroxide, though not knowing the reason not sure it'd work. You could use DI water wwhich should have no contamination like tap can.

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    • Lynda

      I only use filtered water, not tapwater. Do you think peroxide would act like bleach to disinfect the water so that yellow orange deposit wouldn’t grow on the sides of the tray? TIA. 🤗💚🪴

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    • Wolfen 🐺

      It works on algae, bacteria and fungus. I'm not sure if it'd work on like a hard water stain

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    • Lynda

      I just wanted to add, that I did add peroxide to my humidity trays; TXS for the tip. Later, I noticed lots of little tiny bubbles sitting on the bottom of the tray under the water… doing their job? IDK, but it’s pretty!

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  2. Ji11

    The tips don’t look too bad but one thing I’ve noticed with my Zebrina is that it doesn’t really like to be fertilized.

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    • Lynda

      Ooohhhhh, I do fertilize her. Can you tell me a bit more about this? TXS. 🤗💚🪴

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  3. Mads

    Humidifiers are like grow lights - immediate proximity for max effect, which drops off drastically the farther away you get. Do you water with tap water? Tap water can also cause browning leaf tips.

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