Yeah, I did put some aggregated clay beads and repotted - the roots are firm and no signs of mould/rotting...

I don't know what the problem is but a few comments on cutting off the leaves. Even a leaf with brown edges is still photosynthesising and providing energy for the plant. So don't cut off all the leaves showing brown - they are still helping the plant. Secondly, if you cut the leaves off, cut right at the base. It looks far better and it doesn't leave a stem which will then die back and possibly introduce rots in to the plant.

Hi floral_uk :-) Thanks for reply. I was not sure about where to cut the leaves - I noticed that new leaves come from middle of these stems I left (sort of) that is why I cut like this. But I will pick them up asa they dry (what will eventually happen). I'll continue to research about this yellowing/drying. Thanks!

Hi,

May I pls. ask what's the point of the clay beads on top? & in the mix? I don't believe they're doing anything & may worsen things by holding water in pockets in the mix (if mixed into the soil). I suspect it is/was a drainage problem.

I believe these plants want very high humidity (am struggling w/ a Stromanthe w/ the same issues). I have mine on a pebble tray & still have to water every couple of days. Sadly I lost most of the plant before figuring that out.

Lena

"I noticed that new leaves come from middle of these stems I left (sort of) " The new leaves come from the base so you can safely cut stems down lower. You won't stop new shoots from coming up. As you can see on yours the cut off stems die, looking ugly and encouraging rots and moulds.

Hi, Lena,

these beads are placed on top not mixed in, they are few only...And yes, this is Calathea and I've read they like a lot of moisture as well...I checked again and the roots are neither rotten or wet...It is very dry weather these days, so I have to water all plants regularly...I bought even such a measuring device that check pH and humidity of soil...

Hi, Floral_uk - yeah, I already removed carefully these remnants :-)

It's time to put this plant in a good place outside. That will give us more clues.

Try more light. Calatheas, stromanthes, marantas are generally rather difficult plants, with very specific requirements. In addition, many of the cultivars that are sold look very pretty in the stores, but don't last worth a fig.

Hi, don't know if you already have this figured out, but want to provide a few words on Calatheas. I'm no expert on them but I have a couple of varieties, including orbifolia.

It's good to have a humidity monitor and a moisture meter. Both can be bought on Amazon or somewhere like Home Depot for fairly cheap. Calatheas do fine if relative humidity is over 50%. They also don't like it when their soil dries out completely. Basically, water when dry, but don't let it stay dry for too long. If you stick the meter all the way down and it shows "dry" all the way down, or maybe "moist" but not "wet" at the bottom, it's time to water.

Also, I've experienced this and read about it elsewhere: apparently Calatheas like to do this scary leaf-dropping act that includes discoloration like yours, right before/as they push out a whole bunch of new foliage. Like someone said above, don't cut the yellowing leaves off — just leave them alone and let them die.

Finally, it's hard to see the light levels from your photos. It looks like it's outside. If it isn't any of these other problems, then the light may actually be TOO bright. Again, my experience, but they need indirect light and suffer in too much sun.

When I see a plant putting on symptoms like yours, the first thing I try to determine is whether or not the plant is being over-watered. If you're watering while you can still detect moisture by looking at the soil or testing with a finger, you probably ARE over-watering. Too, if you're not emptying the cache pot after you water, you have not only over-watering as a concern, but a build-up of dissolved mineral solids (salts) from fertilizer solutions and/or tapwater as an additional issue ..... which brings me around to asking about whether or not you fertilize regularly, what you use (brand & NPK %s), and how much/often you use it?

Al