If your Calathea leaves are starting to curl, you’re not alone. This is a common problem for this plant, and there are several things you can do to fix it. In this guide, we will discuss what causes leaf curling, how to prevent it, and how to correct it if it has already started. We will also provide tips on how to care for your Calathea plants so that they stay healthy and look their best!
How to fix a twisted calatea leaf
The cause is dehydration
If you see that the leaves of your calatea have begun to curl, the first possible cause of the problem is a lack of water. This is because the plant absorbs water from the soil through the stem, and then it is carried on to the leaves. If not enough water comes in, the plant will curl its leaves, thus saving water in the stem and roots. This prevents the plant from finally shriveling up and dying. This process is a normal defense mechanism of the calatea in case of water shortage.
How to fix it:
Fixing the situation is simple, all you have to do is establish proper watering. The calatea loves moisture, but not too much. Water the plant 1-2 times a week depending on the season, the hotter the hotter the more often. It is better to water the plant when the top layer of soil slightly dries out.
Too much salt fertilizer in the soil
Fertilizing the calatea is important and necessary, but if done wisely. If too many nutrients are applied, it can increase the salt levels in the soil, which will cause the plant to start curling its leaves. Furthermore, the leaves can start to turn yellow. Some fertilisers already have salt in them and you need to be particularly careful with them. If you increase the salt content of the plant, it will block the normal circulation of water and this will cause it to become dehydrated.
How to fix the problem:
If the plant is growing in a pot, leach the soil by running water through it several times to remove excess salt. If the plant is in the ground, flush the area around it with fresh water to dilute the salts. Also watch the fertilizer application by following strict instructions.
Heavy watering – root rot
Basically, the most common problem of curling calatea leaves is dehydration. But there is also the possibility of overwatering. The fact is that when a calatea is given too much moisture and stands in water, it will quickly develop root rot. When the roots begin to rot, they will not be able to transport water down the stem and therefore to the leaves themselves. You end up with the same dehydration, but with a lot of water in the pot.
How to fix the problem:
If you think your plant is suffering from too much water, the first thing to do is check the drainage. Is the water draining out of the pot quickly? If not, you may need to repot your calatea using fresh soil mix and a well-drained pot. Be sure to let the soil dry completely between waterings.
Poor water quality
This cause is the main problem of Kalatea leaf curl. If you use tap water, it may contain harmful impurities of salts and other minerals that eventually accumulate in the calatea. This can cause the pores of the plant to clog, immediately disrupting its entire life cycle. Not only can this cause the leaves to curl, but they can also make a crunchy sound when you touch them.
How to fix the problem:
It’s important to water your calatea with either distilled water or filtered water. This way, heavy minerals and salts can’t harm its health.
Leaf burns
Scald can also cause Kalatea leaves to curl. Although the calatea is a tropical plant and requires a lot of sunlight, it can get leaf scorch. Leaf scorch will not only manifest itself in curling, but also in the fact that the leaves will change their color to brown.
How to fix the problem:
If you think your plant has leaf scorch, immediately remove it from a window that gets direct sunlight. If this is not possible, put in a special glass partition that will diffuse the sunlight.
General care tips for Calathea ornata/medallion/orbifolia
Humidity
Moisture is key for calatea, not just watering. Calathea can be sprayed with clean water from a sprayer 1-2 times a day, depending on the room temperature.
Soil type
The ideal type of soil for calatea is a well-draining, loamy mixture. If your plant is in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. You can choose a soil for the plant that consists of pine bark, coconut shavings, and compost. It will not be superfluous to add a little perlite.
Optimal temperature
The optimum temperature for calatea is 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit or 18-30 degrees Celsius. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the leaves will begin to curl.
Fertilizer
Calatea should receive the optimal amount of fertilizer for healthy growth. A liquid fertilizer is best and should always be diluted by half. We recommend adding worm castings, fish emulsion and processed algae to the soil.
Watering
You should always be very careful about watering your calatea. This is quite a difficult process for beginners, as it requires a very competent approach. The calatea must not be watered, but you must also not not water it, otherwise various problems can arise. Watering once or twice a week will be enough for the calatea, and in cooler seasons, watering is reduced to once every two weeks.
During the hot seasons, it is especially important to control watering not by quantity, but by the drying out of the soil. If you see that the soil is slightly dry, there is no moisture in it, it is time to water the plant. But by no means allow the top layer of soil to dry out completely, or it will seriously harm the calateia. Also, never flood the calatea, it should not stand in water.
