Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the pot has drainage holes.
- Feel the soil to see if it is soggy deep down.
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves look limp and yellow, and the soil smells musty or sour.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top two inches of soil dry out. If the plant does not perk up, remove it from the pot and trim away any mushy, dark roots.
Poor drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits at the bottom of the pot, and the soil remains wet for more than ten days.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with drainage holes using a well-draining potting mix. Add perlite to the soil to improve airflow to the roots.
Find out what's wrong with your calathea 'cobra'
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
If the stems feel mushy at the base or the plant collapses, the rot is advanced. If only a few leaves are yellowing, you can likely save it by correcting your watering habits.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Never let the pot sit in standing water in a saucer.
Keep your calathea 'cobra' 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
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early enough. Trim the dead roots and repot in fresh, dry soil.
- How often should I water?
- Water every 5 to 10 days, but always check the soil first. If the top inch is still damp, wait a few more days.
More problems with Calathea 'Cobra'
- Why are my Cobra Calathea's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why does my Cobra Calathea have spider mites?
- What are these dark spots on my Cobra Calathea leaves?
- Why are my Goeppertia zebrina leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Cobra Calathea drooping?
- Why are my Cobra Calathea's leaves curling?
- Why is my Cobra Calathea dropping leaves?
- Why is my Cobra Calathea getting leggy?
Back to the Calathea 'Cobra' guide
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.