Calathea plants are popular houseplants known for their striking foliage. Native to tropical Americas, they are primarily grown for their vibrant, intricately patterned leaves, which come in various colors like green, pink, red, and purple. While their ornamental leaves are the main appeal, Calatheas can also produce flower buds. Flowering often indicates the plant is thriving and receiving optimal indoor care.
Understanding Calathea Flower Buds
Calathea flower buds are subtle structures, less showy than the plant’s distinctive leaves. They emerge from the plant’s base or leaf axils (where leaves join the stem). The inflorescence, often called the flower, is a specialized leaf structure from which the true flowers sprout.
Flower structures vary significantly among Calathea species. Calathea crocata is known for vibrant orange or yellow flowers, earning it the nickname “Eternal Flame.” Calathea roseopicta may produce pale green, cone-like structures with small white flowers, while Calathea makoyana has clusters of green tubes yielding tiny, white, trumpet-shaped blossoms. Individual flowers may wilt quickly, but the inflorescence can persist for two to three months. Many Calathea species flower in their natural habitats, but only some varieties readily bloom indoors, even under ideal conditions.
Promoting Calathea Flowering
To encourage indoor flowering, consistently mimic Calathea’s native tropical conditions. Provide bright, indirect light; too much direct sun can scorch leaves and hinder blooming. An east-facing window with morning sun or a spot several feet from a south-facing window is suitable.
High humidity is essential, as Calatheas thrive in moist air. Aim for 50% humidity or higher, achievable with a pebble tray, room humidifier, or by grouping plants. Keep soil evenly moist, never waterlogged, and avoid complete drying out. Use distilled or filtered water to prevent leaf tip browning from tap water chemicals.
A well-draining, rich potting mix that retains some moisture is beneficial. During the growing season (spring and summer), a light feeding of standard houseplant fertilizer supports flowering energy demands. Consistent warm temperatures (65-75°F / 18-24°C) are important, as Calatheas are sensitive to cold and fluctuations. Flowering indicates a deeply settled and healthy plant, requiring patience.
Care After Flowering
After flowering, spent stalks fade and turn brown. Remove these faded stalks through deadheading. This redirects the plant’s energy from dying blooms to new foliage growth.
To deadhead, snip the stalk at its base using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. This maintains the plant’s aesthetic appeal and health. Continue general care, including consistent watering, humidity, and light, to support the plant’s recovery and vitality.
Troubleshooting Non-Flowering Calatheas
If a Calathea is not producing flower buds, several environmental factors or care practices might be contributing. Insufficient light is a common reason, as plants require adequate energy for flowering. While Calatheas prefer indirect light, an overly dim location can prevent bloom formation.
Low humidity is a significant deterrent for these tropical plants, often leading to brown leaf edges and a reluctance to flower. Inconsistent watering, whether over-watering (leading to root issues) or under-watering (causing drought stress), can inhibit flowering by stressing the plant. Nutrient imbalance, such as excess nitrogen (promoting foliage over blooms) or a lack of phosphorus and potassium, can also play a role.
The age and maturity of the plant are also factors; younger Calatheas may not be mature enough to flower. Environmental stress, including sudden temperature changes, cold drafts, or pest infestations, can divert the plant’s energy away from flower production. Some Calathea species are simply less prone to flowering indoors compared to others, even under ideal conditions. Addressing these issues by adjusting light, humidity, watering, and fertilization can encourage the plant to eventually produce blooms.