Underwatering
Dry soil and yellow lower leaves usually mean it went too long without a drink.
Diagnosis
Underwatering
What's happening
Calathea is far less forgiving of dryness than most houseplants. When the soil dries out completely, the roots can't keep the oldest leaves hydrated, so those leaves yellow and curl while the soil shrinks and pulls away from the side of the pot.
How to fix it
Water thoroughly with distilled or sat-out water 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 drain fully. Going forward, check the soil every few days and never let it dry out completely.
What fixes it
- A long-spout watering can — A long-spout can makes it easy to water deeply and evenly so the soil never bakes dry.
If that doesn't fix it
This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.
Read the full Rattlesnake Plant care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this