That morning misting routine? It’s probably causing the brown spots you’re desperately trying to prevent. Tropical plants need humid air, not wet leaves—and there’s a significant difference between the two.
Ten nights of well-intentioned misting revealed fungal growth and blocked stomata on a Calathea leaf. What felt like a loving ritual was quietly creating the exact conditions these tropical plants struggle with most—and the damage was hiding in plain sight.
Your Calathea’s pleated leaves aren’t just a watering problem—they’re creating tiny water reservoirs where mold and bacteria thrive. Those folds trap moisture against the stem, creating the perfect environment for fungal and bacterial infections to spread unchecked. Here’s exactly what’s happening and how to stop it.
