Thirst and dryness curling
Leaves rolling or curling inward on a Calathea with dry soil are a thirst signal.
Diagnosis
Thirst and dryness curling
What's happening
Calathea curls its leaves to conserve moisture when it's stressed by dryness — either dry soil at the roots, very dry air, or both. The curling is the plant pulling its surface area in to slow water loss, and it usually eases once the plant is properly hydrated and the humidity comes up.
How to fix it
Check the soil: if the top inch is dry, water thoroughly with filtered or distilled water until it drains from the bottom, then keep the mix lightly and evenly moist from now on. Pair that with higher humidity — a pebble tray or, better, a small humidifier nearby — and move the plant away from heat sources and drafts. The leaves should relax and flatten back out over the following days.
What fixes it
- A small room humidifier — Steady humidity from a small humidifier stops the leaves from curling up to defend themselves against dry air.
If that doesn't fix it
This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.
Read the full Calathea Medallion care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this