Hello, Why are the new leaves of my Calathea Stella so short and bunched up in the middle? I keep the soil moist but not wet. I added a more powerful humidifier, but it still looks kind of sad. Any input would be great. thx Calvin
Thank you for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners. Calathea ‘Stella’ are prized for their gorgeous white and dark green leaves with purple undersides. I believe your Calathea ‘Stella’ needs to be re-potted. I suspect its roots may be tangled as it’s outgrown the pot. Check to see if there are roots growing out of the bottom as this is also a sign for re-potting. Being root bound limits the growth of the root system, causing the plant to be stunted in size. Re-potting provides a good opportunity to refresh the soil and check for signs of root rot. As a rule of thumb, the size of the new pot should be 5 cm (2”) larger in diameter than the pot it currently is in. Refer to a previous answer to an ASK question about Calathea care, including Re-potting, for more information.
Enjoy your Calathea.
May 31, 2024