Troubleshooting
Calathea Network problems — and how to fix them
Calathea Network (Goeppertia kegeljanii 'Network') 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 tips
Low humidity or hard, fluoridated tap water is the usual cause. Keep humidity above 60% and water with filtered, distilled or rainwater.
Curling leaves
Underwatering or dry air causes the leaves to curl inward. Maintain even soil moisture and raise humidity to keep them flat and turgid.
Washed-out or scorched leaves
Too much direct sun fades the network and burns the foliage. Move to bright indirect light to preserve the mosaic pattern.
Yellowing and soft stems
Overwatering or poor drainage rots the rhizome. Keep the mix moist but never waterlogged and use a free-draining pot.
Prevent calathea network problems before they start
Most calathea network issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for calathea network in general rather than its problems? Read the full calathea network care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Calathea Network problems — FAQ
Why is my calathea network brown, crispy leaf tips?
Low humidity or hard, fluoridated tap water is the usual cause. Keep humidity above 60% and water with filtered, distilled or rainwater.
Why is my calathea network curling leaves?
Underwatering or dry air causes the leaves to curl inward. Maintain even soil moisture and raise humidity to keep them flat and turgid.
Why is my calathea network washed-out or scorched leaves?
Too much direct sun fades the network and burns the foliage. Move to bright indirect light to preserve the mosaic pattern.
Why is my calathea network yellowing and soft stems?
Overwatering or poor drainage rots the rhizome. Keep the mix moist but never waterlogged and use a free-draining pot.