Calathea makoyana – Yellow Leaves

Flora Premium Plant Mister

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

Spray Bottles

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter SMM-V3

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

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

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Improper Watering (Overwatering)

Excessive moisture in the soil leads to root hypoxia and eventual root rot, which manifests as general yellowing of the foliage.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Stick your finger two inches into the soil to see if it remains saturated long after watering.

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1 Immediately check the soil moisture level using a meter to confirm if the root zone is saturated.

Bleuhome 10" Plant Saucer 6-Pack Black

2 Repot the plant in a well-draining medium, incorporating perlite to improve aeration and prevent future root rot.

3 Ensure the plant is in a pot with adequate drainage and use a saucer to catch excess water, making sure not to let the pot sit in standing water.

Pot Saucers

$20

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

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Salt or Mineral Accumulation

Calathea makoyana is sensitive to fluoride, chlorine, and salts found in tap water, which can cause yellowing and necrotic spots on the leaves.

Common

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How to confirm: Observe if the yellowing starts specifically at the tips of the leaves or follows a pattern of spotting.

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1 Flush the soil thoroughly with distilled, rain, or filtered water to leach out accumulated mineral salts and toxins.

2 Use a moisture meter to ensure the soil is not staying too saturated after flushing, as overwatering can exacerbate yellowing.

Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix

3 Repot the plant in fresh, high-quality potting mix to provide a clean environment free of existing salt buildup.

15.1 L

$22

GROWIT Soil Moisture Meter - Blue

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Light Stress (Excessive Direct Sunlight)

While they love bright indirect light, direct sun exposure can scorch the delicate 'peacock' patterns and trigger yellowing through photo-oxidation.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the yellowed patches are located on parts of the plant directly facing a window.

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1 Move your Calathea to a spot with bright, indirect light, away from direct sunbeams that can scorch the leaves.

2 Monitor the soil moisture levels to ensure the plant remains consistently moist but not waterlogged, as light stress can affect transpiration rates.