Calathea, a popular houseplant recognized for its stunning, patterned foliage and characteristic leaf movement, can be successfully propagated. Propagation is an excellent way to create new plants or manage the size of a mature specimen. Because the Calathea develops from underground stems called rhizomes, the most reliable technique is division, which involves separating the plant’s root ball into smaller, independent sections.
The Primary Method of Propagation
The rhizomatous nature of Calatheas means that new plants naturally emerge from these modified stems just beneath the soil surface. Propagating by division capitalizes on this structure, creating genetically identical and robust daughter plants. Prepare the mother plant by thoroughly watering it a day or two before division to minimize stress and make the soil easier to work with.
Gently remove the Calathea from its container, and excess soil is carefully brushed or shaken away from the root ball. This step reveals the rhizomes and the natural clusters of stems and leaves that form the basis of the division. These natural divisions are distinct clusters that have developed their own independent root systems.
To separate the plant, identify these natural points of separation, ensuring each resulting section has a robust set of roots and at least two to three healthy leaves attached to its rhizome. While the goal is often to tease the roots apart by hand, a clean, sterilized knife or sharp shears may be necessary to sever connecting rhizomes or particularly dense root sections.
Essential Conditions and Timing
Timing the division correctly significantly increases the chance of success. The optimal time to propagate a Calathea is during its active growth phase, typically in early spring or early summer. Propagating just before the main growing season allows the newly divided plants maximum time to establish themselves before any seasonal slowdown.
Before beginning, ensure you have all the necessary supplies, including small pots with adequate drainage and a fresh, light, well-draining potting mix. A suitable mix can be achieved by blending standard houseplant soil with amendments like perlite or orchid bark to ensure aeration and prevent waterlogging. Working quickly and maintaining moderate room temperatures throughout the process helps to minimize the duration of stress on the exposed roots. Any tools used should be disinfected before use to prevent the transmission of pathogens to the vulnerable, freshly cut plant tissue.
Post-Propagation Care
After the separation and immediate repotting into their new containers, the divisions enter a critical establishment phase. The newly potted Calatheas should be immediately watered until it drains from the bottom of the pot, which helps the new soil settle firmly around the roots. Following this initial watering, the plants must be placed in a location that receives bright, indirect light, as direct, intense sunlight can quickly scorch the leaves of a stressed plant.
The period immediately following division necessitates creating an environment that mimics the Calathea’s native humid, tropical understory. This is often achieved by placing the new divisions in a warm location with high humidity, perhaps by using a clear plastic bag or humidity dome over the pot to trap moisture. While some initial wilting or shock is a normal response, maintaining consistently moist soil—but never soggy—is paramount to encouraging new root development. New growth emerging from the center of the plant signals that the division has successfully established a functional root system.