Troubleshooting
Cuban Cigar Calathea problems — and how to fix them
Cuban Cigar Calathea (Calathea lutea) 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.
Brown, crispy leaf edges
Usually low humidity, underwatering, or sensitivity to chlorine/fluoride/salts in tap water. Raise humidity and switch to filtered, distilled or rainwater.
Yellowing leaves
Typically overwatering or poor drainage (soggy roots); can also signal a nutrient shortfall. Check that the pot drains freely and let the surface dry slightly between waterings.
Curling or wilting leaves
A sign the soil has dried out too far or the air is too dry. Calathea lutea likes steady moisture and humidity; resume even watering and it usually recovers.
Faded or scorched patches
Too much direct sun bleaches and burns the large leaves. Move to bright indirect light away from hot windows.
Spider mites, mealybugs and scale
Common sap-suckers in dry indoor air. Inspect leaf undersides regularly; treat with insecticidal soap or neem and raise humidity to deter mites.
Limp growth in the cold
Exposure below about 13-15 C (55-60 F) or to cold draughts stresses the plant. Keep it warm and away from chilly windows, doors and air-con vents.
Prevent cuban cigar calathea problems before they start
Most cuban cigar calathea issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Cuban Cigar Calathea problems — FAQ
Why is my cuban cigar calathea brown, crispy leaf edges?
Usually low humidity, underwatering, or sensitivity to chlorine/fluoride/salts in tap water. Raise humidity and switch to filtered, distilled or rainwater.
Why is my cuban cigar calathea yellowing leaves?
Typically overwatering or poor drainage (soggy roots); can also signal a nutrient shortfall. Check that the pot drains freely and let the surface dry slightly between waterings.
Why is my cuban cigar calathea curling or wilting leaves?
A sign the soil has dried out too far or the air is too dry. Calathea lutea likes steady moisture and humidity; resume even watering and it usually recovers.
Why is my cuban cigar calathea faded or scorched patches?
Too much direct sun bleaches and burns the large leaves. Move to bright indirect light away from hot windows.
Why is my cuban cigar calathea spider mites, mealybugs and scale?
Common sap-suckers in dry indoor air. Inspect leaf undersides regularly; treat with insecticidal soap or neem and raise humidity to deter mites.
Why is my cuban cigar calathea limp growth in the cold?
Exposure below about 13-15 C (55-60 F) or to cold draughts stresses the plant. Keep it warm and away from chilly windows, doors and air-con vents.