Preventing Rot in Your Calathea Ornata Plant:
Causes and Solutions

Calathea ornata, also known as the Pinstripe plant, is a popular indoor plant that is loved for its striking foliage. Its leaves have bright green stripes that contrast against the dark purple underside. However, one of the biggest challenges of growing Calathea ornata is preventing root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of plants and can quickly kill them if left untreated. In this article, we will discuss the causes and solutions to prevent root rot in your Calathea ornata plant.

Causes of Root Rot in Calathea Ornata Plant

1. Overwatering: Overwatering is the most common cause of root rot in Calathea ornata plants. When the soil is constantly wet, it creates the perfect environment for fungi to grow and spread. If you water your plant too often or if it’s sitting in a pot with no drainage holes, the soil will become waterlogged, leading to root rot.

2. Poor Drainage: If your Calathea ornata is planted in soil that doesn’t drain well, it can lead to root rot. The soil should be loose and well-draining to prevent water from accumulating and causing damage to the roots.

3. Fungal Infections: Fungal infections can also cause root rot in Calathea ornata plants. These infections can occur when the plant is exposed to high humidity or when the soil is contaminated with fungal spores.

4. Cold Temperatures: Calathea ornata prefers warm temperatures between 18-24°C (65-75°F). If the temperature drops below this range, it can cause stress to the plant, making it susceptible to root rot.

Solutions to Prevent Root Rot in Calathea Ornata Plant

1. Watering: To prevent overwatering, make sure you allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Use your finger to check if the soil is dry before watering. Also, make sure your pot has drainage holes so that excess water can drain out.

2. Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix for your Calathea ornata plant. A good mix should be light and airy and should contain perlite or vermiculite to enhance drainage.

3. Fungal Infections: To prevent fungal infections, make sure you maintain proper humidity levels for your plant. Calathea ornata prefers high humidity levels between 60-70%. You can place a tray of water near your plant or use a humidifier to increase humidity levels.

4. Temperature: Keep your Calathea ornata in a warm location away from cold drafts or air conditioning vents. During winter, you can use a space heater or a heating mat to keep your plant warm.

FAQs

Q: Can I save my Calathea ornata if it has root rot?

A: Yes, you can save your plant if caught early enough. To save your plant, remove it from its pot and remove any rotted roots with a clean pair of scissors or pruning shears. Repot your plant into fresh soil and make sure not to overwater it.

Q: How often should I water my Calathea ornata?

A: Calathea ornata should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on how much light and warmth your plant receives, this may be once a week or every two weeks.

Q: Can I propagate my Calathea ornata?

A: Yes, you can propagate your Calathea ornata by division during repotting time in spring or summer. Simply remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the rhizomes with a clean pair of scissors or knife. Plant each division in fresh soil and keep it moist until new growth appears.

In summary, preventing root rot in your Calathea ornata plant requires proper watering, good drainage, maintaining proper humidity levels, and keeping it in a warm location away from cold temperatures. By following these tips, you can enjoy healthy and beautiful foliage for years to come!