Troubleshooting
Calathea Bacillaris problems — and how to fix them
Calathea Bacillaris (Goeppertia bacillaris) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Crispy leaf tips and edges
Low humidity or mineral-rich tap water; raise humidity and water with filtered, distilled or rainwater.
Curling or limp leaves
Underwatering or dry air; keep the mix evenly moist and humidity high.
Yellowing leaves
Overwatering or soggy soil; improve drainage and let the surface dry slightly between waterings.
Leggy, sparse growth
Too little light; move to brighter indirect light to keep the clump full.
Prevent calathea bacillaris problems before they start
Most calathea bacillaris issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for calathea bacillaris in general rather than its problems? Read the full calathea bacillaris care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Calathea Bacillaris problems — FAQ
Why is my calathea bacillaris crispy leaf tips and edges?
Low humidity or mineral-rich tap water; raise humidity and water with filtered, distilled or rainwater.
Why is my calathea bacillaris curling or limp leaves?
Underwatering or dry air; keep the mix evenly moist and humidity high.
Why is my calathea bacillaris yellowing leaves?
Overwatering or soggy soil; improve drainage and let the surface dry slightly between waterings.
Why is my calathea bacillaris leggy, sparse growth?
Too little light; move to brighter indirect light to keep the clump full.