Calathea Glamour Star Yellow Leaves - Causes & Fixes

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Improper Watering & Root Suffocation

Calatheas are highly sensitive to soil moisture levels; if the medium remains saturated, it leads to root hypoxia and eventual rot. This prevents the plant from transporting nutrients, manifesting as yellowing foliage.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Stick your finger two inches into the soil to see if it feels soggy or smells sour/musty.

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1 Immediately check the soil moisture level using a probe to confirm if the medium is waterlogged.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter SMM-V3

Water Meters

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2 Repot the plant into a well-draining medium enriched with perlite to improve aeration and prevent future root suffocation.

3 Ensure the new container has adequate drainage and use a saucer to prevent water from pooling around the base.

Bleuhome 10" Plant Saucer 6-Pack Black

Pot Saucers

$20

In Stock

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Low Humidity

As tropical understory plants, Calathea Glamour Star requires high ambient humidity to maintain leaf turgidity. Dry air causes the plant to struggle with transpiration, often leading to yellowing and crispy edges.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Check if the yellowing is accompanied by brown, dry margins on the leaf edges.

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1 Increase ambient humidity around the plant by using a pebble tray or a humidifier to prevent leaves from drying out.

Bleuhome 6-Pack 6in Plant Saucers Black

Pot Saucers

$6

In Stock

2 Mist the foliage regularly with a fine spray to provide immediate moisture to the leaves.

Flora Premium Plant Mister

Spray Bottles

$12

In Stock

3 Monitor soil moisture levels to ensure the plant remains consistently moist but not waterlogged, as dry soil can exacerbate humidity stress.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter SMM-V3

Water Meters

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Mineral Toxicity (Salt Buildup)

Calatheas are notorious for being sensitive to fluoride, chlorine, and salts found in tap water. Accumulation of these minerals in the growing medium interferes with cellular functions, causing chlorosis.

Common

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How to confirm: Observe if there is a white, crusty residue on the soil surface or the edges of the pot.

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1 Flush the soil thoroughly by running distilled or rainwater through the pot until it drains freely from the bottom to wash away accumulated salts.

2 Repot the plant in fresh, high-quality potting soil to completely remove the contaminated medium and prevent further toxicity.

Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix

15.1 L

$22

In Stock

3 Use a moisture meter to monitor watering frequency and ensure you are not overwatering, which can exacerbate mineral leaching issues.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

In Stock

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Nitrogen Deficiency

If the plant has outgrown its current potting mix, a lack of available nitrogen can cause older leaves to turn yellow as the plant mobilizes nutrients to newer growth.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the yellowing is starting specifically on the oldest, lowest leaves while new growth looks healthy.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Repot your Calathea in fresh, nutrient-rich potting soil to provide a new supply of available nitrogen.

Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix

15.1 L

$22

In Stock

2 Apply a liquid nitrogen-rich fertilizer, such as FoxFarm Grow Big, to boost vegetative growth and restore leaf color.