HELP
How do I save this Calathea? I recently repotted because my mom had it in a larger pot with no drainage. It’s been about 2 weeks and I have allowed the soil to dry then watered. What do I need to do? I thought maybe it was root rot but none of the roots are mushy
3
Hi lili, so Calathea grow from Rhizomes- it looks like a little “bulb” - it’s at the stem base. If that is still there and doesn’t smell foul or is not mushy- there’s hope. Even if all the leaves fall off- you can still help it. When repotting Calathea- they have delicate root hairs, and they could have gotten stripped off while taking out of the soil and putting in new soil. This is where that rhizome comes in and why it’s important. The rhizome can store enough energy to push out brand-new growth over the coming weeks if kept in proper conditions. Here’s a detailed summary to recover your Calathea, I hope it helps. Verify Stem Health: Gently feel the dark section of the stem and the rhizome base. If it is firm, it is alive and in shock. If it feels mushy, soft, or smells foul, it has rotted and must be trimmed away with a sanitized blade back to healthy tissue. Downsize the Pot: A common mistake after a repot is choosing a pot that is too large. A tiny root system like this will sit in cold, soggy soil for too long, accelerating root rot. Re-pot this specific piece into a very small 3-inch to 4-inch nursery pot with plenty of bottom drainage holes. Use an Ultra-Light Soil Blend: Do not pack heavy potting soil around it. Mix equal parts standard potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark. This mimics the airy forest floor and ensures oxygen reaches the remaining roots so they can heal. Create a High-Humidity "Tent": Since the roots cannot pull water, you must increase the surrounding humidity to 80%+ to keep the foliage stable. Place a clear plastic bag loosely over the entire plant and its pot to trap moisture, acting as a mini-greenhouse. Use the Right Water: Keep the soil lightly damp like a wrung-out sponge, but never waterlogged. Only use distilled, rain, or filtered water. Calatheas are incredibly sensitive to tap water chemicals, which will further stress an already failing root system.
You’re welcome. If you ever have any questions, just ask! I’d love to see/hear how it’s doing, if you feel like it. 😊
