Troubleshooting
Calathea Propinqua problems — and how to fix them
Calathea Propinqua (Goeppertia propinqua) 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
Low humidity or hard tap water; raise humidity and switch to filtered, distilled or rainwater.
Curling or drooping leaves
Underwatering or dry air; keep the soil evenly moist and the air humid.
Yellowing leaves
Overwatering or poor drainage; let the surface dry slightly and ensure the pot drains freely.
Faded leaf markings
Too much direct sun or too little light; provide steady bright indirect light.
Prevent calathea propinqua problems before they start
Most calathea propinqua issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for calathea propinqua in general rather than its problems? Read the full calathea propinqua care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Calathea Propinqua problems — FAQ
Why is my calathea propinqua brown crispy leaf edges?
Low humidity or hard tap water; raise humidity and switch to filtered, distilled or rainwater.
Why is my calathea propinqua curling or drooping leaves?
Underwatering or dry air; keep the soil evenly moist and the air humid.
Why is my calathea propinqua yellowing leaves?
Overwatering or poor drainage; let the surface dry slightly and ensure the pot drains freely.
Why is my calathea propinqua faded leaf markings?
Too much direct sun or too little light; provide steady bright indirect light.