Why Are My Round Leaf Calathea's Leaves Curling?

Picture this: you've just brought home a beautiful Round Leaf Calathea, and you're thrilled to add it to your indoor jungle. But soon, you notice something unsettling—those once vibrant, flat leaves are curling up like they're trying to keep a secret. It can be disheartening, but don't worry! You're not alone in this, and there's plenty we can do to help your plant bounce back.

In this post, we'll unravel the mystery behind why your Round Leaf Calathea's leaves are curling. We'll look into the common causes and, more importantly, share how you can address them to restore your Calathea's natural beauty. From understanding its watering needs to optimizing its environment, we've got you covered.

Understanding Your Calathea’s Natural Environment

Before we dive into solutions, it's helpful to understand where your Round Leaf Calathea comes from. These plants are native to the tropical forests of South America where they thrive in humid, warm conditions with filtered light. Imagine the forest floor, where the sun peeks through the canopy, providing just the right amount of light. This environment is quite different from the average living room, which is why our Calatheas sometimes struggle.

In their natural habitat, Calatheas grow under the cover of larger plants, enjoying high humidity and stable temperatures without much direct sunlight. They also benefit from nutrient-rich soil that drains well but retains some moisture. When we bring them home, we need to mimic these conditions as closely as possible to keep them thriving. This means paying attention to light, humidity, temperature, and soil—factors we'll explore in more detail as we go on.

The Watering Conundrum

Watering is one of the trickiest aspects of plant care, and Calatheas are particularly picky about their hydration needs. Too much water, and you risk root rot; too little, and those leaves will curl in protest. So, how do you strike the right balance?

First, check your watering schedule. Calatheas prefer consistently moist soil but hate sitting in water. It's a fine line to walk. Here's a tip: let the top inch of soil dry out before giving your plant another drink. You can use your finger to test the soil moisture or invest in a moisture meter for more accuracy.

• Water less frequently in the winter when plant growth slows down.
• Make sure your pot has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.
• Consider using distilled or rainwater, as Calatheas can be sensitive to chemicals in tap water.

When watering, aim to thoroughly soak the soil and let excess water drain away. This mimics the natural soaking and drying cycles they would experience in the wild.

Humidity: A Calathea’s Best Friend

Remember that tropical rainforest we talked about? It's no surprise that high humidity is key to keeping your Calathea happy. These plants adore humidity levels of 50% or higher. If the air in your home is too dry, those leaves will start curling faster than you can say "dehumidifier."

There are several ways to boost humidity levels around your plant:

• Group plants together: Plants naturally release moisture into the air, so clustering them can create a mini-humid microclimate.
• Use a pebble tray: Place a tray filled with pebbles and water under your plant's pot. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity around the plant.
• Invest in a humidifier: This is probably the most effective way to maintain consistent humidity levels. Your Calathea will thank you!

You'll also want to keep your Calathea away from drafts or heating vents, as these can dry out the air and cause those leaves to curl.

Light: Finding the Sweet Spot

Calatheas are often described as low-light plants, but that can be misleading. While they don't want direct sunlight, they do need bright, indirect light to thrive. Too much direct sun can scorch their leaves, causing them to curl and brown at the edges.

To find the right spot, place your Calathea near a north or east-facing window where it can enjoy filtered sunlight. If you only have south or west-facing windows, you might need to filter the light with a sheer curtain to prevent leaf damage. It's all about finding that perfect balance where the plant gets enough light without getting a sunburn.

Temperature and Drafts

Calatheas prefer stable temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Sudden changes in temperature or exposure to cold drafts can stress the plant, leading to curled leaves. This is especially common in winter when indoor heating systems can create fluctuations.

To keep your Calathea comfortable:

• Avoid placing it near doors, windows, or air conditioners where it might experience drafts.
• Try to maintain a consistent room temperature, avoiding extreme changes.
• Be mindful of nighttime temperatures, especially if you like to keep windows open.

Think of your Calathea like a cozy sweater-wearing plant—it likes to be warm and snuggly without sudden cold breezes.

Soil and Potting Needs

The right soil is crucial for your Calathea's health. It needs to be well-draining but still retain some moisture, which might sound like a contradiction, but it's totally doable. A good mix for Calatheas includes peat, perlite, and pine bark. This combination allows for excellent drainage while keeping the soil aerated and retaining enough moisture.

When potting your Calathea, choose a container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Repotting every couple of years is also a good idea, as it gives you a chance to refresh the soil and check the roots for any signs of trouble, like rot or being root-bound.

Calathea roots like a bit of space to spread out, so if you notice roots coming out of the drainage holes or circling the pot, it’s time to upgrade to a slightly larger pot. This will give your plant the room it needs to grow and thrive.

Pest Patrol: Keeping Pests at Bay

Even though Calatheas aren't usually pest magnets, they can occasionally attract unwanted visitors like spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs. These pests can cause stress to your plant, leading to curled leaves. Regularly inspecting your plant for any signs of infestation is a good habit to develop.

If you spot any pests, don't panic! Here are some steps you can take:

• Isolate the plant: Keep it away from your other plants to prevent the pests from spreading.
• Wash the leaves: Use a gentle spray of water to dislodge pests from the leaves.
• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil: These are effective and plant-friendly options to tackle pests. Always follow the instructions on the product carefully.

Keeping your plant clean and dust-free by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth can also help prevent pest infestations.

Nutrient Needs: Feeding Your Calathea

Your Calathea relies on nutrients to stay healthy, and a lack of them can lead to curling leaves. While these plants aren't heavy feeders, they do appreciate a little boost during the growing season (spring and summer).

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every month or so during the growing season. Be cautious not to overdo it, as too much fertilizer can cause more harm than good. Over-fertilization can lead to salt build-up in the soil, which can also result in leaf curling. If this happens, you might need to flush the soil with water to remove excess salts.

During fall and winter, you can ease off the fertilizer since the plant's growth naturally slows down.

Stress Management: A Calathea’s Perspective

Like us, plants can also experience stress, and changes in their environment can be a big trigger. Moving a plant to a new location, repotting, or even a change in routine can stress your Calathea and cause its leaves to curl.

When making changes, try to do so gradually. For example, if you're moving the plant to a new spot, introduce it to the new light conditions slowly to give it time to adjust. Patience is key here. Plants need time to acclimate to new environments and might show some signs of stress before settling in.

Remember, your Calathea is a living being, and just like any other relationship, it requires understanding and patience. By paying attention to its signals and making adjustments as needed, you can ensure it thrives in your care.

Final Thoughts

Curling leaves on your Round Leaf Calathea can be a sign of various issues, from watering mishaps to environmental stress. By understanding your plant’s needs and adjusting its care routine, you can help it return to its former glory. Remember, a little attention goes a long way in keeping your Calathea happy.

At Cafe Planta, we're passionate about plants and here to help you on your plant parenting journey. Whether you're looking for new additions to your collection or need advice on plant care, we're just an email or a Instagram message away. Let's keep growing together!