Calathea brown tips

Tips and narrow brown margins usually need the same checks: a root ball that dries too far, hot dry air, accumulating salts, or mites. Widespread brittle leaves need a separate recovery check of the crown.

Keep the root ball evenly moist

Water when the surface begins to dry, before the whole pot becomes dry and leaves roll tightly. Check the center after watering if water has been escaping down the sides. Empty the cover pot so moisture does not become standing water.

Check air, water quality, and leaf undersides

Move leaves out of heating airflow and measure humidity near the plant before changing it. If salt buildup continues, try rainwater, distilled water, or reverse-osmosis water; an ordinary taste filter may leave dissolved minerals behind. Fine pale speckling or webbing calls for a mite inspection. Clip dead margins only for appearance; keep the green blade.