Reasons and Solutions for Curling Leaves on the Two-Lined Calathea
The two-lined Calathea (Calathea bella) is a plant native to Brazil and other parts of South and Central America. It is very beautiful and famous for the pairs of double-line patterns on its leaves. This plant prefers a shady environment and is very suitable for growing at home, adding brilliance to the home environment and being deeply loved by everyone. During the specific care process, problems such as curling leaves on the two-lined Calathea and failure to bloom often occur, so what should be done?
1. What to do when the two-lined Calathea has curling leaves?
1. Increase misting
The leaves of the two-lined Calathea are relatively large, and water evaporates relatively quickly, so it should be watered in a timely manner. It is best to use spraying, and gradually increase the amount of watering as new leaves increase. At the same time, spraying water can also increase the humidity in the air. Under normal circumstances, the humidity of the growing environment for the two-lined Calathea should be controlled at around 85%—90%.
2. Pest and disease control
Pest and disease control requires us to pay special attention to observation in daily care. Once signs of pests or diseases are found, measures should be taken immediately. At the same time, during care, attention should also be paid to maintaining air circulation and the permeability and drainage of the soil to reduce the possibility of pests and diseases occurring.
3. Avoid direct sunlight
The two-lined Calathea prefers a semi-shady environment, so it should be placed in a shaded environment for cultivation. If you are worried that excessive lack of light will cause poor plant growth, you can place the two-lined Calathea on a balcony, windowsill, or similar location every once in a while to absorb scattered light. Be sure to avoid direct sunlight in midsummer or at noon.
2. Methods to promote blooming in the two-lined Calathea
1. Suitable temperature
If you want any plant to bloom earlier, you should pay attention to providing it with a suitable growing temperature. The two-lined Calathea likes high temperatures, so the suitable temperature for its growth is between 20 to 30°C. However, if you want it to bloom earlier, then controlling it at 18 to 21°C during the day and 16 to 18°C at night is most suitable.
2. Correct watering
If we want the two-lined Calathea we are caring for to bloom, we must supply it with sufficient water. Once water is insufficient, the leaves of the two-lined Calathea will curl. If the plant itself is not growing well, how could it still bloom! In general spring and summer, water once a day, while in autumn and winter, water less.
3. Sufficient sunlight
When caring for the two-lined Calathea, light is indispensable. You should create a suitable light environment for it, but also pay attention to shading it in summer. Apart from summer, the two-lined Calathea can receive direct sunlight in the other seasons.
4. Insufficient humidity
The two-lined Calathea likes a humid growing environment. The humidity in the air should be kept at around 80%. At this time, it is most suitable for the growth of the two-lined Calathea. When we are caring for it and want to promote blooming, we should pay attention to spraying water on its leaves when the air is dry.