Calathea makoyana Brown Leaf Tips - Causes & Fixes

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Low Humidity

Calatheas are tropical understory plants that require high humidity levels, typically above 50-60%. When the air is too dry, moisture evaporates rapidly from the leaf margins, causing the tips to desiccate and turn brown.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Check if your home's indoor humidity is below 40% or if the plant is near an air conditioning vent.

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1 Increase local humidity by placing your plant on a pebble tray filled with water or using a humidifier nearby.

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2 Gently mist the leaves with a fine spray to provide immediate surface moisture.

Flora Premium Plant Mister

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3 Trim the brown, desiccated tips with clean scissors to prevent further spread, being careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

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Improper Watering/Salt Accumulation

Using tap water containing chlorine, chloramines, or fluoride can cause chemical burn on the sensitive leaf tips of Peacock Plants. Additionally, inconsistent watering cycles can lead to physiological stress.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Observe if the browning is accompanied by a white crusty buildup on the soil surface or pot edges.

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1 Flush the soil with distilled or filtered water to remove accumulated salts, chlorine, and fluoride from the tap water.

2 Use a moisture meter to ensure a consistent watering schedule, keeping the soil moist but never waterlogged.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

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3 Trim the brown, crispy tips with clean scissors to prevent further aesthetic decline, being careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Fiskars 5/8" Bypass Pruning Shears

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Underwatering

While Calatheas prefer moist soil, allowing the peat-based substrate to dry out completely causes the plant to sacrifice its leaf extremities to conserve moisture in the core.

Common

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How to confirm: Touch the top inch of the soil to see if it feels bone-dry and brittle.

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shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Check the soil moisture level immediately using a moisture meter to determine if the root zone has reached a critical dry point.

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

Water Meters

$12

In Stock

2 Increase watering frequency to ensure the soil remains consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent the substrate from drying out completely.