Calatheas are popular houseplants, admired for their striking foliage and unique leaf movements. Drooping leaves are a common symptom indicating distress. This article explains why your Calathea might be drooping and how to address the issue.
Understanding Calathea Leaf Movement
Calatheas exhibit a natural phenomenon known as nyctinasty, often referred to as “prayer plant movement.” This involves their leaves moving upwards at night and lowering during the day, a response to light cycles. This rhythmic movement is a healthy indication of the plant’s circadian rhythm. True drooping, however, is distinct from this natural behavior; it signifies a consistent, limp, and lifeless sag of the foliage, indicating that the plant is under stress and not merely adjusting its leaf angle. Observing your plant over a day or two can help differentiate between natural movement and actual distress.
Identifying the Cause of Drooping
Drooping in Calatheas can stem from several environmental factors or care issues. Identifying the precise cause is the first step toward recovery.
Underwatering
When a Calathea is underwatered, its leaves may appear curled, pendulous, and lifeless, with edges that turn brown. The plant’s cells lose turgor pressure, which is the internal water content that keeps the leaves firm and upright. To check for underwatering, insert your finger into the soil; if the top inch or two feels completely dry, the plant is likely thirsty. The pot might also feel unusually light.
Overwatering
Conversely, overwatering can also lead to drooping leaves, often accompanied by yellowing foliage or yellow-brown patches, and mushy stems. Consistently wet soil suffocates the roots by displacing air pockets, which can lead to root rot. Root rot prevents the plant from absorbing water and nutrients effectively, causing the leaves to droop paradoxically as if dehydrated. The soil may also emit a foul odor.
Low Humidity
Calatheas originate from tropical rainforests, where humidity levels are consistently high. In a dry indoor environment, the leaves may start to curl inwards, develop brown tips or crispy edges, and appear dull as they lose moisture. This happens because the plant cannot absorb sufficient moisture through its leaves when the air is too dry.
Inadequate Light
Calatheas prefer bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural habitat on the rainforest floor where they receive dappled sunlight through a tree canopy. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves, causing them to fade, curl, or develop brown spots. Conversely, insufficient light can lead to leggy growth, pale leaves, and a dulling of their vibrant patterns.
Temperature Extremes
Calatheas are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and thrive in consistent warmth, ideally between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Exposure to cold drafts or temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can cause leaves to shrivel, develop black spots, or droop dramatically. Excessive heat can also stress the plant, leading to wilting and overall decline.
Pest Infestations
Pest infestations can cause Calathea leaves to droop, yellow, or show distorted growth. Common pests include spider mites, which create fine webbing on the undersides of leaves and cause tiny yellow dots or stippling. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses in leaf axils, and thrips can cause distorted new growth and silvery streaks on leaves. These pests feed on plant sap, weakening the plant and impacting its ability to maintain turgor.
Root Issues
Root issues, such as a plant becoming root-bound or suffering from root rot, can also cause drooping. If roots are circling densely around the inside of the pot, it indicates the plant has outgrown its container and cannot properly absorb water or nutrients. Root rot, typically a result of overwatering, leads to soft, mushy, and discolored roots that are unable to support the plant.
Solutions for Drooping Calatheas
Addressing the specific cause of drooping can help your Calathea recover. Each problem requires a targeted approach to restore plant health.
Underwatering
For underwatering, water the plant thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, ensuring the entire root ball is saturated. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before the next watering. If the soil is severely dry and compacted, a bottom-watering method can rehydrate it effectively.
Overwatering
If overwatering is the issue, immediately stop watering and allow the soil to dry out significantly, potentially for 3-5 days. If root rot is suspected, gently remove the plant from its pot, inspect the roots, and prune away any soft, mushy, or discolored sections with sterilized scissors. Repot into fresh, well-draining soil in a clean pot.
Low Humidity
To combat low humidity, consider using a humidifier to maintain levels above 50%, ideally between 60-80%. Placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensuring the pot doesn’t sit directly in the water) can create a localized humid environment. Grouping Calatheas with other plants can also slightly increase ambient humidity.
Inadequate Light
If inadequate light is the problem, move your Calathea to a location that receives bright, indirect light, such as near an east or north-facing window. If the issue is too much direct sun, move it away from harsh, unfiltered light. Rotate the plant periodically to ensure even light exposure for all sides.
Temperature Extremes
To mitigate temperature extremes, position your Calathea away from cold drafts, heating vents, or air conditioners. Maintain a stable room temperature within the ideal range of 65-85°F (18-29°C).
Pest Infestations
For pest infestations, isolate the affected plant to prevent spread. Wipe down leaves with a damp cloth to physically remove pests. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be applied according to product instructions, focusing on the undersides of leaves where pests often hide. Repeated applications may be necessary to fully eradicate the infestation.
Root Issues
When dealing with root issues like a root-bound plant, repot it into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. For root rot, follow the steps outlined for overwatering, including pruning affected roots and repotting.
Preventive Care for Thriving Calatheas
Maintaining a healthy Calathea involves consistent and thoughtful care to prevent future drooping. Establishing a consistent watering routine is important; check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch or two feels dry, rather than adhering to a rigid schedule. Using filtered or distilled water can help prevent issues caused by chemicals in tap water.
Providing stable high humidity is also crucial for these tropical plants. Aim for humidity levels above 50% consistently, using humidifiers or pebble trays if necessary. Position the plant in bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sun exposure that can scorch leaves and fade patterns. Fertilize monthly during the spring and summer growing seasons using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Regularly inspect your Calathea for early signs of pests or disease. Dust the leaves periodically to ensure efficient photosynthesis and to spot any issues early. Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging, and avoid sudden environmental changes that can shock the plant.