Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Leaves turning yellow starting from the lower leaves and progressing upward, sometimes with brown edges or spots Common Causes:

• Overwatering leading to waterlogged soil and poor root health
• Natural aging of older leaves (normal if limited to bottom leaves)
• Nutrient deficiency, particularly nitrogen or iron

Solutions:

• Check soil moisture and allow top 2 inches to dry between waterings
• Remove yellowed leaves and inspect roots for rot if overwatering suspected
• Apply diluted balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season

Prevention: Maintain consistent watering schedule, ensure proper drainage, and feed regularly during spring/summer

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf edges or tips turning brown and crispy, sometimes progressing to entire leaf Common Causes:

• Low humidity (below 50%)
• Fluoride/chlorine in tap water
• Direct sunlight exposure causing leaf burn

Solutions:

• Increase humidity to 60-70% using humidifier or pebble tray
• Switch to filtered or distilled water
• Move plant away from direct sunlight to bright indirect light

Prevention: Maintain humidity above 60%, use filtered water, and position in bright indirect light only

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Leaves folding downward or appearing limp despite moist soil Common Causes:

• Underwatering or inconsistent watering
• Temperature stress (too hot or cold)
• Root rot from overwatering

Solutions:

• Check soil moisture and water thoroughly if dry
• Move to location with stable 65-80°F temperature
• If soil is soggy, check roots and repot if rot detected

Prevention: Water when top inch of soil is dry, maintain stable temperatures, ensure proper drainage

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Healthy-looking leaves suddenly falling off the plant Common Causes:

• Sudden temperature changes or cold drafts
• Transplant shock after repotting
• Severe pest infestation

Solutions:

• Move away from air vents, windows, or doors
• Minimize handling and maintain stable conditions after repotting
• Inspect thoroughly for pests and treat if found

Prevention: Keep in stable environment away from drafts, repot in spring, regular pest inspections

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Little to no new growth during active growing season, small new leaves Common Causes:

• Insufficient light (too dark)
• Nutrient depletion in old soil
• Root bound condition

Solutions:

• Move to brighter location with filtered light
• Repot with fresh potting mix or fertilize regularly
• Check roots and repot if circling the pot

Prevention: Provide bright indirect light, repot every 1-2 years, fertilize during growing season

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Long stems with few leaves, reaching toward light source Common Causes:

• Insufficient light causing etiolation
• Natural growth pattern needing pruning
• Overcrowding with other plants

Solutions:

• Move closer to light source or add grow light
• Prune leggy stems to encourage bushier growth
• Give plant adequate space for air circulation

Prevention: Rotate plant weekly, provide adequate bright indirect light, prune regularly

Pest Problems

Spider Mites

Identification: Tiny red/brown dots on leaf undersides, fine webbing between leaves Damage Signs: Yellow stippling on leaves, eventual leaf drop Treatment:

• Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly
• Wipe leaves with damp cloth to remove mites
• Isolate infected plant to prevent spread Prevention: Maintain high humidity, regularly clean leaves, inspect new plants before introducing

Mealybugs

Identification: White cotton-like clusters in leaf joints and stems Damage Signs: Sticky honeydew on leaves, stunted growth, yellowing Treatment:

• Dab with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol
• Apply systemic insecticide for severe infestations
• Prune heavily infested parts Prevention: Quarantine new plants, regular inspections, avoid overwatering

Fungus Gnats

Identification: Small flying insects around soil, larvae in soil Damage Signs: Minimal plant damage but annoying presence, potential root damage from larvae Treatment:

• Allow soil to dry between waterings
• Apply sticky traps for adults
• Use mosquito dunks or beneficial nematodes for larvae Prevention: Avoid overwatering, use well-draining soil, cover soil with sand

Disease Issues

Fungal Leaf Spot

Symptoms: Brown or black spots with yellow halos on leaves Causes: High humidity combined with poor air circulation Treatment:

• Remove affected leaves immediately
• Apply copper fungicide
• Improve air circulation around plant Prevention: Water at soil level, avoid leaf wetness, ensure good ventilation

Bacterial Leaf Spot

Symptoms: Water-soaked spots that turn brown with yellow margins Causes: Contaminated water, infected tools, or splashing water Treatment:

• Remove all affected foliage
• Isolate plant from others
• Apply bactericide if available Prevention: Sterilize tools, water carefully at base, quarantine new plants

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, wilting despite moist soil, musty smell from soil Identification: Dark, mushy roots when removed from pot Treatment:

• Remove from pot and cut away all rotted roots
• Repot in fresh, sterile potting mix
• Reduce watering frequency Prevention: Use well-draining soil, ensure pots have drainage holes, water only when needed

Root Bound

Symptoms: Slowed growth, water runs straight through pot, roots visible on surface Identification: Roots circling pot or growing through drainage holes Treatment:

• Repot in container 1-2 inches larger
• Gently loosen root ball before repotting
• Trim excessively long roots if necessary Prevention: Repot every 1-2 years, choose appropriate pot size, monitor root growth

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden leaf drop, wilting, brown patches on leaves Causes: Exposure to temperatures below 60°F or above 85°F Treatment: Move to stable temperature location, remove damaged leaves, reduce watering temporarily Prevention: Keep away from drafts, maintain 65-80°F range, acclimate gradually to new locations

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Brown leaf tips, curling leaves, slow growth High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal growth, soft spots on leaves Solutions: Use humidifier for low humidity, improve ventilation for high humidity Prevention: Maintain 60-70% humidity with proper air circulation

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached or scorched leaves, faded patterns Too Little Light: Loss of variegation, leggy growth, small leaves Solutions: Adjust placement based on symptoms, use sheer curtains to filter bright light Prevention: Provide bright indirect light, avoid direct sun exposure

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Multiple issues occurring simultaneously despite proper care
• Rapid decline with no obvious cause
• Suspected viral infection (mottled, distorted growth)

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Water when top inch of soil is dry
• [ ] Maintain 60-70% humidity
• [ ] Keep temperature between 65-80°F
• [ ] Provide bright indirect light
• [ ] Fertilize monthly in growing season
• [ ] Inspect for pests weekly

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove damaged foliage, adjust care conditions, monitor closely Week 2-3: New growth should begin if conditions corrected, continue optimal care Month 1+: Full recovery with consistent new healthy growth, resume normal care routine

Remember: Most Maranta problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.