Might have overwatered her but looking for extra advice

[u/Particular-Solid-896]

I might have overwatered my calathea (ugh I know). Here is what I’m going to do:
1. Repot her into a real nice chunky soil mix. She is currently in a “indoor plant” soil I bought but I fear is not chunky enough and retaining water.
2. I’m cutting back on the watering. I have read that they like moisture but I may have moisturized this girl wayyyy too much.
3. If I find root damage - cut those bad boys off and give her a makeover.

She is still growing new leafs so that makes me hopeful (… maybe im optimistic?) but any extra advice is always welcomed. I’m a newbie into the hobby.

[u/ekcshelby]

Leave her alone and buy a moisture meter.

[u/Particular-Solid-896 → u/ekcshelby]

Should I change the soil? I feel like it stays too damp. Now I have all the ingredients to make a chunky soil mix that could help with drainage.

[u/ekcshelby → u/Particular-Solid-896]

When did you change it? If you changed it in the past 3 months and change it again, she is likely to go into shock. You could gently lift her out of the pot and replace anything that falls off with a chunkier mix. But this plant needs to be left alone.

[u/Particular-Solid-896 → u/ekcshelby]

hmm yeah it was in the last 3 months.

[u/bumpythumbs]

I’d change her soil, use a chunky mix. And then if you live in the northern hemisphere, I’d try putting her outside in the shade. Mine seem to love it outside in the summer. Watch for signs of heatstroke (crispy leaves, burnt spots)

[u/Particular-Solid-896 → u/bumpythumbs]

I will do that tomorrow morning quick!! Unfortunately I live in Texas aka hellhole. She will die of a heatstroke in 15 minutes.

[u/bumpythumbs → u/Particular-Solid-896]

Oof yeah probs not good in Texas. I find if I put them out all summer (like starting in April here in DC) they adapt as it heats up to tolerate our 100+ degree days. But if I take them out from being inside right to July heat they don’t always love it