Underwatering
Dry soil and yellow lower leaves usually mean it went too long without a drink.
Diagnosis
Underwatering
What's happening
Calathea is thirstier than most houseplants and resents drying out fully. When the soil goes bone dry the plant can't keep its oldest leaves hydrated, so they yellow and the edges crisp, while the soil shrinks and pulls away from the side of the pot.
How to fix it
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. If the water runs straight through bone-dry soil without soaking in, bottom-water instead: set the pot in a few inches of water for 20–30 minutes, then let it drain fully. From now on, check the soil twice a week — Calathea likes to stay lightly moist and rarely wants to dry out completely.
What fixes it
- A long-spout watering can — A long-spout can makes it easy to water deeply and evenly down at the soil line.
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