What causes the edges of the rainbow calathea leaves to become burnt and crispy?
An article provides a detailed explanation of why the edges of rainbow calathea leaves become burnt and crispy, as well as tips on the care and cultivation of this plant. Keep reading for more information!
There are many foliage plants, including common ones like pothos, monstera, philodendron, money tree, calathea, and so on. Among them, calathea is my favorite. It is definitely the "champion" among foliage plants. There are many varieties of calathea, each with its unique and distinctive leaf patterns, which are even more beautiful than flowers in many cases, offering strong ornamental value. They can be placed anywhere in the home and, when paired with different pots, can complement a variety of home environments, adding a unique and vibrant touch.
After experiencing the high temperatures of summer, calathea leaves may become wilted and droopy, with burnt and yellowed edges, greatly reducing their ornamental value. This is a common problem in the home care of calathea. When the once lush and shiny leaves suddenly turn yellow or have burnt edges, it looks quite unappealing. What should you do in this case?
First, understand why calathea leaves turn yellow and have burnt edges. Besides direct sunlight, the main reason is moisture. Calathea may lack water, either in the potting soil or on the leaves. If the soil is short of water, it means you haven't watered for a long time and the soil is too dry. If the leaves lack water, it means the growing environment is too dry, causing the leaves to develop burnt edges. In such cases, first check your growing environment. Make sure it is a place with scattered light and good ventilation, avoiding direct sunlight, which can reduce yellowing and leaf drop due to sun exposure.
In cases of yellowing and burnt edges caused by moisture issues, the first step is pruning. Remove the yellowed leaves, cutting back to the roots, and trim the edges of leaves with burnt edges. After pruning, increase the humidity in the environment with scattered light by misting. You can mist around the plant, twice a day, ensuring that the moisture on the leaves evaporates within about half an hour. Too much misting can increase the burden on the leaves and lead to diseases.
What causes the edges of the rainbow calathea leaves to become burnt and crispy?
Finally, be careful not to overwater calathea. Excessive watering can easily cause waterlogging and root rot, which is a common problem for all plants. When the roots are waterlogged, they find it difficult to absorb water and nutrients. Even if you water more, the calathea won't be able to absorb it. Over time, the leaves will also turn yellow. This is why you may find the potting soil is wet but the leaves are dry and yellowed.
In such cases, place the potted plant in a well-ventilated area or use a fan to speed up water evaporation. Temporarily replace watering with misting for a few days until the soil dries and the roots start to recover, then resume normal watering. Alternatively, repot the calathea, remove decayed roots, and repot with moist soil, then place it in a shaded and well-ventilated area to recover for a period. Any of these measures are time-consuming and require patience.
The above information on why the edges of rainbow calathea leaves become burnt and crispy, and the related cultivation methods, are provided for plant enthusiasts as a reference. I hope it can help solve your problems in green plant management.