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Avatar for TeresaMiAmore
Oct 4, 2019 6:09 PM CST
Thread OP

My calathea is making me nervous. I have a calathea medallion (zone 8A) purchased about a month ago... and the new growth is turning brown at the tip some leaves are fully brown. I do mist and it doesn't get direct sunlight at all. The soil is quite moist so i haven't watered in over 2 weeks..(leaves started browning after fertilization which i think may be the culprit) Just want to nip it in the bud b4 it escalates and takes the whole plant. Going into winter makes me very nervous to do anything because I'm Definitely a beginner and not sure if i should repot in more aerated soil or what. Please help any suggestions are more than welcome! Thank you in advance.

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Oct 5, 2019 8:28 AM CST
Name: Will Creed
NYC
Prof. plant consultant & educator
It looks like your Calathea is still in its nursery pot (that's a good thing!), so if it is going two weeks without water you are letting it get too dry. That is what is causing the brown leaf edges. Those can be trimmed off as they will not recover. Soil, pot size, and humidity (misting) are not a problem, but watering is.

Keep your plant as close to the window as possible but just beyond the reach of the direct rays of the sun.

Water it thoroughly as soon as the surface of the soil feels dry or starts to turn a lighter shade of brown. Let some water drain through the holes of the pot, but make sure it doesn't sit in water. If you are using a moisture meter, it is not reliable.
Will Creed
Horticultural Help, NYC
www.HorticulturalHelp.com
Contact me directly at [email protected]
I now have a book available on indoor plant care
Avatar for TeresaMiAmore
Oct 17, 2019 11:05 PM CST
Thread OP

Thank you WillC.. I'm gonna try my best to save her life. She's so beautiful
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Oct 18, 2019 10:02 AM CST
Name: Will Creed
NYC
Prof. plant consultant & educator
Definitely worth saving. Trim off the discolored leaves.
Will Creed
Horticultural Help, NYC
www.HorticulturalHelp.com
Contact me directly at [email protected]
I now have a book available on indoor plant care
Avatar for Tigerlily15
Oct 22, 2019 7:56 PM CST
Chicago (Zone 5b)
What kind of water are you giving your calathea? I read to only give distilled or rain water, as tap water can cause that. I am new to calatheas, but new they were finicky. I switched to distilled as one of mine started showing brown and mist daily with distilled as well, now that it's getting cold in chicago the humidifier helps as well. It stopped the browning. Trim off the brown like others said and start giving it distilled water and mist daily with distilled.
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Oct 23, 2019 5:41 PM CST
Name: Will Creed
NYC
Prof. plant consultant & educator
Distilled or rain water is necessary only in areas where the local tap water is hard.
Will Creed
Horticultural Help, NYC
www.HorticulturalHelp.com
Contact me directly at [email protected]
I now have a book available on indoor plant care
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