quote: -But ever since these brown spots have been developing. I am keeping the soil relatively moist, watering every 1-2 weeks and preventing it from drying out. so before that you allowed it to dry out? that could definitely cause the drying on leaf edges. calathea will suffer if allowed to dry out. and it's normally recommended to keep it pot-bound - and then only repot when it is dormant, like in february. it just hates roots disturbance. when in growth it takes a good amount of water and it likes to be very warm and humid. when temps drop below 68F it slows down growth and starts taking very little water: so water it very sparingly then. it's perfectly ok to grow it in peat mix (soilles mix peat-based), just like african violets or tuberous begonias. you just need to make sure you do not soak it too much too often. and normally may be 30% perlite is added to aid aeration/drainage. do not water it unless the top of soil starts feeling somewhat dry. the trick you can use: put down some long fiber sphagnum moss (used for orchids) on the surface, like loose mulch of sorts. it'll wick water from the soil. when you see that it's dried up but is not crisp yet, then you can water. overall the plant looks very good - i see only a couple of leaves with spots. it is also quite normal for older leaves to show signs of decline in fall-winter. the following link is very good: it says fluoride in water can cause spots on tip/leaf edges. notice also the recommended fertilizer ratio of 1/0.4/1.8 Here is a link that might be useful: calathea culture

Morning Sovery, As I mentioned above, your Cal needs acclimating since it was summered outdoors. Think about it. When plants are outside, they get fresh, circulating air, and 'depending where one lives,' humidity. Then comes fall..plants are moved in a stuffy, dry house. Plants should be brought inside before heat is turned on. Especially, tropicals. Did I mention, Calathea picta types are very difficult? I have two..one is in a terrarium, the second is on its own. Yours is a picta..sorry don't know which variety. Some Cals are fussier than others. For instance, my C. Snake has brown tips; C. Peacock doesn't. When outdoors, they sat side by side..hauled indoors the same day. Same light, etc. Indirect-bright light is perfect. During summer, west/south windows are way too harsh. This time of year, 'at least here in IL,' s/w exposure wouldn't matter....won't burn leaves. Your east window sounds okay, as long as your Cal isn't 10' away. lol If you're worried about light, why not add artificial? You can do so inexpensively. Hygrometers..lol..Buy a second to compare. lol. We have three. Two are the same type..purchased years ago..accurate temps and humidity. The third was bought 7-yrs ago..it reads inside, outside and green house temp. Every fall I place all 3 side-by-side to compare readings. One may be a degree higher...but I consider 1 degree good enough. :) 55% humidity is great. What about temp? Is the room warm/hot? Cals do not like too much heat. My Cals are in a fairly unheated room. In fact, during cold months, the room gets pretty cold. Sometimes, too cold. Fresh air is important. Do you have a ceiling or rotating fan? If so, can you run it an hour or two a day? As long as air isn't directed on your plants for more than a few seconds at a time. Wish I could be more help...Toni

I have that Calathea as well, beautiful plant. Calathea "opens up" for daytime and "closes" at night. Mine moves most when it gets alot of water. I am curious what others will say about the spots. My plant also has a few small round spots like yours but I have no idea what they are. I thought maybe leftover marks after my long battle with mites or maybe a small sunburn caused by careless misting... They do not spread though, so I'm not that worried, but it would be good to know how to avoid it. For watering I usually use tap water as well, just not straight from the tap. If possible, I let the water stay in a can overnight before I use it for watering. I don't know if that is good or necessary but my Calathea is doing fine and I have it for 2 years. I definitely agree on the drainage hole. A pot with a hole is a must.

If you start noticing wilting, there are a few things that could be wrong with your Calathea Zabrina. It may not like the ambient temperature because of being too low. Please make sure both indoor temperatures stay between 65 – 80°F. If you are growing Zebra plants outdoors and temperatures have started to fall from 60 °F, relocate your plant to indoor warmer locations. Another reason for leaves wilting could be dehydration. Please ensure to maintain the soil moist to solve the issue. Do not make the soil soggy by overwatering, as it can cause more complex problems