Root Rot

Overwatering

To address root rot in Pinstripe Calathea, first, stop watering immediately and allow the soil to dry out. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Trim away any black, mushy roots with sterilized scissors. Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil and a clean pot. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes. Resume watering with moderation, only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Consider using a moisture meter to prevent future overwatering.

Brown Leaf Edges

Underwatering

To address brown leaf edges caused by underwatering in Pinstripe Calathea, ensure a consistent watering schedule that keeps the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant's roots. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about an inch deep; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Consider using a self-watering pot to maintain consistent soil moisture levels. Additionally, increasing humidity around the plant can help prevent the edges from drying out.

Spider Mite Infestation

Spider mites are tiny pests that thrive in warm, dry conditions. They feed on the sap of the Pinstripe Calathea, causing yellowing leaves, webbing on the plant, and overall stress.

To combat spider mites, increase humidity around your Pinstripe Calathea, as these pests dislike moist conditions. Regularly misting the plant can help. Additionally, wash the leaves with a gentle stream of water to physically remove the mites and their webs. For severe infestations, use a neem oil solution or an insecticidal soap, applying it directly to the affected areas. Always isolate infested plants to prevent the spread to other houseplants.

Leaf curling

Low humidity

Pinstripe Calathea thrives in high humidity environments, often requiring levels above 60%. To address leaf curling caused by low humidity, consider placing a humidifier near the plant or creating a pebble tray filled with water to place under the plant's pot. This setup allows water to evaporate around the plant, increasing local humidity. Additionally, grouping plants together can help raise humidity levels around them through their natural transpiration process.