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Pinstripe Calathea · Calathea ornata

Why is my Pinstripe Calathea dropping leaves?

It is less common for this plant to drop leaves, but it usually happens due to severe environmental stress or a pest infestation. Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny webbing to rule out spider mites first.

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Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for fine webbing.
  2. Check if the plant is sitting near a drafty window or vent.
  3. Look for any sudden changes in the plant's environment.

Likely causes

  1. Spider Mites

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see tiny, fine webs between the leaves or stems. The leaves may look stippled or speckled with tiny yellow dots before they fall off.

    What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth or shower the plant to wash the pests away. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks to clear the infestation.

  2. Temperature Shock

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant drops leaves suddenly after being moved to a new spot or exposed to a cold draft. The leaves might look green but fall off with the slightest touch.

    What to do: Move the plant to a stable environment away from heaters, air conditioners, or open windows. Keep it in a spot where temperatures stay between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your pinstripe 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

Leaf drop is a serious sign that the plant is struggling to survive. If the plant is losing more than one or two leaves at a time, it needs immediate intervention.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a stable, humid environment and wipe the leaves regularly to deter pests. Consistent care keeps the plant strong enough to resist issues.

Pinstripe Calathea: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your pinstripe calathea and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Will the leaves grow back where they fell off?
No, the plant will not grow new leaves from the exact same spot on the stem. It will produce new growth from the base of the plant.
Is leaf drop always a sign of death?
Not necessarily, but it means the plant is very unhappy. If you fix the environmental issue, it should stop dropping leaves and start recovering.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Pinstripe Calathea

Back to the Pinstripe Calathea guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.