Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Touch the soil to see if it is dry.
- Check the humidity levels in your room.
- Look for signs of pests like spider mites.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels bone dry and pulls away from the sides of the pot. The leaves will look wilted and lose their firm texture.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage holes. Keep the soil consistently moist moving forward.
Low Humidity
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves droop and the edges start to curl inward. Calatheas need high humidity to stay upright and vibrant.
What to do: Place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water or use a humidifier nearby. Grouping plants together can also help create a more humid microclimate.
Find out what's wrong with your calathea
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
Drooping is usually a temporary reaction to stress. If the plant does not perk up after watering, check the roots for damage.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your Calathea away from heating vents and drafts. Consistent moisture is the best way to prevent wilting.
Keep your calathea healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Will my Calathea recover after drooping?
- Most of the time, yes. Once you provide the right amount of water or humidity, it should perk back up within a few hours.
- Can cold air cause drooping?
- Yes, cold drafts can shock the plant and cause it to droop. Keep it in a warm room away from windows or doors.
More problems with Calathea
- Why are my Calathea's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why does my Calathea have spider mites?
- Why are there spots on my Calathea's leaves?
- Why are my Calathea leaves turning yellow?
- How do I fix root rot on my Calathea?
- Why are my Calathea leaves curling?
- Why is my Calathea dropping leaves?
- Why is my Calathea looking leggy?
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.