Zig Zag plants, also known as Calathea, are beautiful and unique indoor plants that bring life and color to any room. Their striking patterns and vibrant colors make them a popular choice for plant enthusiasts. However, one common problem that many Calathea owners face is the plant falling over. This can be a frustrating issue to deal with, but with a little understanding of the reasons behind it, it can be easily resolved.
The root system of a Calathea is not very strong, which means that it may struggle to support its own weight. If your plant is falling over, it could be because its roots are weak and unable to hold the plant in an upright position. This is often caused by overwatering, which can lead to root rot and weaken the plant’s root system.
Calathea plants require bright but indirect light to grow properly. If your plant is not getting enough light, it may become weak and prone to falling over. This is especially true if the plant is kept in a dark or poorly lit room for an extended period of time.
Overwatering or underwatering can both cause your Zig Zag plant to fall over. If you are watering your plant too frequently or not enough, it may become stressed and unable to support its own weight. It’s important to ensure that you are following the proper watering schedule for your specific type of Calathea.
Pests such as spider mites and mealybugs can also cause your plant to fall over. These pests feed on the leaves of the plant, which can cause them to become weak and eventually fall over. It’s important to regularly inspect your plants for signs of pest infestation and treat them promptly if necessary.
If your Calathea’s roots are weak, repotting it into a larger pot with fresh soil can help to strengthen them. Make sure to remove any rotten or damaged roots before repotting your plant.
If your plant is not getting enough light, try moving it to a brighter location. However, make sure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight, which can damage its leaves.
If you suspect that your plant is falling over due to improper watering, adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Make sure to let the soil dry out slightly before watering again.
If pests are the cause of your plant falling over, treat the infestation promptly with an appropriate insecticide.
Calathea plants prefer slightly moist soil, but they do not like to sit in standing water. Water your plant once a week or when the top inch of soil becomes dry.
Yes, Calathea can be propagated through division. If your plant falls over and you notice that it has multiple stems, you can carefully separate them and repot them into their own pots.
Brown leaves on a Calathea can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or exposure to direct sunlight. Make sure to follow the proper watering schedule for your specific type of Calathea and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.
Yes, you can use a balanced houseplant fertilizer on your Calathea during the growing season (spring and summer). Make sure to dilute the fertilizer according to the instructions on the package and only fertilize once a month.