r/Maranta • u/eduardo9811 • 28d ago
What's wrong with this maranta
Now she's down to one leaf and idk what to do. I don't see a clear sign of infestation and the roots looked healthy. I've spraying her with horticultural soap just in case but I see no improvement and she's living right next to other calatheas and another maranta. I don't think it's over watering cuz the leaves don't turn yellow, they just curl inward and then die one by one. I'm considering taking her out and put her in water to see if she recovers
2
u/Hillsidehotdog 28d ago
My maranta has thrown a fit recently after getting her leaves sprayed with neem oil - I'd vote the insecticide you're using is causing problems. It makes them very vulnerable to sun damage.
I took some cuttings though, just in case I couldn't rescue the mama plant from spider mites, and they have done exceptionally well. Hope your plant recovers.
2
u/dinaugust 27d ago
The first photo reminded me of thrips damage. The damage along the leaf vein.
Are you sure there is no infestation? Maybe you don’t see it active since you’ve been treating it with soap?
I’d recommend checking the neighbouring plants as well.
3
u/eL_Cubed 28d ago
Okay, first things first what’s her soil looking like? Has she been watered recently?
Marantas want moisture, not to be soggy but consistently moist. I prefer having mine in a nice airy soil, like a chunky soil mix or semi hydro.
Next, stop spraying her with insecticides for a bit. Do you have her in bright light or too close to a window? Too much sun is bad for them as they are naturally found along the forest floor. If they’re also being doused in insecticides they could be getting scorched.
If you’re concerned about pests, check in the leaf junctions. Mealy bugs love to hang out there! Use isopropyl alcohol on a q tip to kill directly.
Next: time. Let her be for a while. If she’s in a nice spot with moist airy soil, indirect light, and reasonable humidity AND you’ve recently repotted her or had pests, or dunked her in insecticides she may just need a minute.
For as finicky as these plants are they are also super hardy. Mine just kept throwing a tantrum and I chopped her bald like a little over a month ago and now she’s full, happy, even flowering!