Why does your Calathea orbifolia have yellow leaves? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Pet FriendlyCalathea orbifolia is a tropical plant that requires high humidity levels. When the air is too dry, the plant cannot maintain moisture in its large, thin leaves, leading to chlorosis (yellowing) and crispy edges.
This species is highly sensitive to waterlogged soil. Excess moisture prevents oxygen from reaching the roots, causing them to decay and preventing the plant from transporting nutrients, which manifests as yellowing leaves.
Calatheas are sensitive to fluoride, chlorine, and salts found in tap water. The accumulation of these minerals in the leaf tissue can cause yellowing and spotting as the plant struggles to process them.
If the plant has been in the same potting mix for a long time, it may have depleted nitrogen levels. Nitrogen deficiency typically results in an even, pale yellowing across the older leaves first.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
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