Causes and Treatments for Dry, Curled, and Yellowing Leaves on the Pin-Stripe Calathea

The pin-stripe calathea (Calathea ornata) is a green plant grown mainly for its foliage, with very high ornamental value, and it is currently cultivated in most parts of our country. The pin-stripe calathea has a unique appearance and rather beautiful leaf color, and is deeply loved by everyone. Many people grow it at home to improve their home environment, but problems often arise during cultivation, such as dry, curled leaves, or yellowing leaves.

What to do when the leaves of the pin-stripe calathea are dry and curled

1. Spray more water during the growing season

The leaves of the pin-stripe calathea are relatively large and water evaporates rather quickly, so it should be watered in time, preferably by spraying, and the amount of water should gradually be increased as new leaves emerge.

At the same time, increase the air humidity so that the relative air humidity stays at 85%—90%.

2. Maintain the indoor temperature

When growing the pin-stripe calathea indoors, you should understand that it likes a warm and humid environment, and keep the ambient temperature at 20℃—30℃. Do not place it outdoors in winter.

3. Avoid direct sunlight

The pin-stripe calathea likes a semi-shaded environment, so it should be grown in a shaded environment.

However, too little light will weaken the plant's growth, so you can place the pin-stripe calathea on a balcony, windowsill, or similar spot every so often to absorb scattered light.

4. Prevent and control pests and diseases

As for pests and diseases, in daily care work, pay attention to maintaining air circulation and the soil's permeability and drainage. Once signs of pests or diseases are found, immediately identify the cause and treat the symptoms accordingly.

Causes of yellowing leaves on the pin-stripe calathea and how to handle them

1. Water-induced yellowing

If the leaves of the pin-stripe calathea appear dark yellow and lack luster, and the stems are thin and shrunken, this symptom indicates overwatering. Take the plant out of the pot and place it in a ventilated, shady spot to dry out.

2. Drought-induced yellowing

Although drought-induced yellowing and water-induced yellowing are both yellow, their symptoms differ. Drought-induced yellowing shows as dry leaf tips and old leaves turning yellow and dropping one after another. In this case, make sure to water thoroughly.

3. Scorch-induced yellowing

This phenomenon is caused by overly strong light. Its main symptoms are withered yellow leaf tips and yellow spots appearing on the sun-facing parts of the leaves. Simply move the plant to a cool, ventilated place and avoid excessively strong sunlight.

4. Light-deficiency yellowing

Light should not be too strong, nor should the plant be kept in a lightless environment. Without light, the leaves cannot carry out photosynthesis and cannot produce chlorophyll, so the leaves will turn yellow. This can be avoided by providing sufficient light.

5. Fertilizer-induced yellowing

Applying too much fertilizer or fertilizer that is too concentrated can also cause yellowing leaves. The leaf surface lacks luster, the leaves do not spread out, and the old leaves turn scorched yellow. In this state, stop fertilizing immediately.

6. Nutrient-deficiency yellowing

The leaf color is rather pale, and the old leaves gradually turn from a normal color to yellow. You should check whether the soil has become dry and compacted, and persist with light, frequent fertilizing.

Does the pin-stripe calathea bloom

1. The pin-stripe calathea does bloom

Many people have grown the pin-stripe calathea for several years but have never seen it bloom, so they all think it is a plant that only grows leaves. People today also grow it as a foliage plant, but in fact it does bloom. It is just that blooming has relatively high environmental requirements.

2. The flowering period of the pin-stripe calathea

Its flowering period is summer and autumn. The pin-stripe calathea belongs to the genus Calathea, and its flowers are likewise capitula.

3. What conditions promote flowering

1. Temperature

Since it originates from subtropical and tropical regions, it likes high temperatures, and its growing temperature is between 20 degrees and 30 degrees. But if you want it to bloom, the daytime temperature must be maintained between 18 degrees and 21 degrees, while at night the temperature must be maintained between 16 degrees and 18 degrees.

2. Sunlight

Sunlight is also an important factor in whether it blooms. Generally we place it indoors, and it is also fairly shade-tolerant, needing only a bright environment. But if you want it to bloom, it must get sun every day, though it should properly avoid the overly strong midday sun, especially the midday sun in summer, which can easily cause severe scorching of the leaves.

3. Humidity

Humidity must always be maintained between 75% and 85%.

A brief introduction to the pin-stripe calathea

1. Family and genus

The pin-stripe calathea, family Marantaceae, genus Calathea, a perennial evergreen herbaceous foliage plant.

2. Origin

The pin-stripe calathea mostly grows in Brazil and other parts of South America and Central America.

3. Morphological characteristics

The pin-stripe calathea has rhizomes, and the plant height is between 60—100 cm. The leaves are basal or stem-borne, elliptical, elongated, with banded markings of alternating white and dark green on both sides of the main vein, and the color contrast is obvious.

Capitulum, bracteoles membranous; sepals nearly equal; corolla tube and sepals hard and leathery, the capsule splitting into 3 valves, seeds triangular.

3. Growth habits

The pin-stripe calathea likes a warm, humid environment with bright light. It is not cold-tolerant, not drought-tolerant, and afraid of scorching sun. It is suitable for growing in loose, fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in humus.

That is all on dry, curled leaves and yellowing leaves of the pin-stripe calathea, and we hope it is helpful to everyone. It is a green plant grown mainly for its foliage, so if problems appear on the leaves during cultivation, they should still be dealt with in time, so as not to affect its appearance or cause the plant's death!