If you notice your Calathea’s leaves starting to droop, don’t panic! Usually, it’s not a scary plant disease—it’s just your plant’s way of telling you it’s a little unhappy. Think of it as a “cry for help” regarding its care routine or its current spot in your home.
Why the Leaves Are Drooping
The Calathea (or Prayer Plant) is famous for its stunning, intricate foliage, but it can be a bit of a diva. When those beautiful leaves sag or start curling up, it’s likely due to one of these common culprits:
- Too much direct sunlight
- Cold drafts
- Low humidity levels
- Root rot from overwatering (standing water)
- Temperatures that are too chilly
Check Your Plant’s Environment
If your plant is looking a bit down, the first thing you should do is evaluate its “home.” Calatheas aren’t fans of the spotlight—they actually prefer indirect light or even shadier spots. If it’s sitting in a bright window, that might be the problem.
Humidity is another biggie. These plants love a tropical vibe, ideally around 80% humidity. If your home is dry, try misting the leaves daily with a fine spray or moving the plant to a naturally humid room like a bathroom. Also, make sure it’s tucked away from drafty doors or AC vents, as they hate a cold breeze. The good news? Since they don’t need much light, they are perfect for those slightly darker corners of your house.
Watering and Feeding Tips
Finding the “Goldilocks zone” for watering is key. Calatheas hate being bone-dry, but they also can’t stand “wet feet.” If the soil stays soggy, the roots can rot, which leads to those sad, drooping leaves. Try to water regularly but carefully. Pro tip: Calatheas are sensitive to minerals, so skip the tap water and use filtered water or rainwater if you can.
If you notice the leaves turning yellow, you might be overdoing it with the fertilizer. If that happens, your best bet is to repot the plant in fresh soil immediately. Moving forward, dial back the feeding, and definitely give it a break from fertilizer for several weeks after repotting to let it recover.
