Calatheas are popular houseplants, known for their striking foliage and intricate patterns. Tall calatheas offer a dramatic presence, adding height and vibrant greenery to any indoor space. Their unique visual appeal makes them sought-after specimens for indoor gardening.
What Defines a Tall Calathea
Tall calatheas are distinguished by their notable vertical growth, typically reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet or more. This characteristic sets them apart from more compact Calathea varieties. Their stature is supported by robust, upright stems that hold large, elongated leaves. These leaves contribute significantly to the plant’s overall height and dramatic silhouette, making them ideal for adding vertical interest to indoor environments.
Popular Tall Calathea Varieties
Several Calathea varieties are recognized for their impressive height and distinctive foliage.
Calathea Orbifolia has large, round leaves with prominent silver-green stripes, often reaching up to 3 feet tall.
Calathea Ornata, the Pinstripe Calathea, features dark green leaves with delicate pink or white pinstripes, growing to about 2 feet.
Calathea Lancifolia, the Rattlesnake Plant, displays long, wavy-edged leaves with dark green blotches and purple undersides, maturing at 2 to 2.5 feet indoors.
Calathea Zebrina, the Zebra Plant, has velvety, dark green leaves with bright green, zebra-like stripes and reddish-purple undersides, often growing to 1 to 3 feet.
These varieties offer a range of patterns and colors.
Essential Care for Tall Calatheas
Caring for tall calatheas involves understanding their specific environmental preferences to support their impressive growth. Providing consistent conditions helps these plants thrive and maintain their vibrant appearance. Attention to light, water, humidity, soil, and occasional pruning contributes to their overall health and longevity.
Light Requirements
Calatheas originate from tropical forest floors, where they receive filtered light through the tree canopy. Bright, indirect light is optimal for tall calatheas. Place them near an east or west-facing window, or several feet away from a south-facing window. Direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves, causing fading of their vibrant patterns and potentially leading to brown spots or curled edges. If light levels are too low, the foliage might lose its intensity, and growth can become leggy.
Watering Practices
Maintaining consistent soil moisture is important for tall calatheas. They prefer soil that is evenly moist but never waterlogged, as excessive wetness can lead to root rot. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Calatheas are sensitive to chemicals commonly found in tap water, such as chlorine, fluoride, and salts, which can cause leaf edges to turn brown. Using filtered, distilled, or rainwater can help prevent this issue.
Humidity Needs
High humidity is a requirement for calatheas, especially the taller varieties, given their tropical origins. Low humidity can lead to common problems like crispy leaf edges or curling foliage. To provide adequate moisture in the air, consider using a humidifier, especially during drier months, aiming for humidity levels between 50-60%. Grouping plants together can create a microclimate with increased local humidity. Placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water, is another effective method.
Soil and Fertilization
A well-draining yet moisture-retentive potting mix is ideal for tall calatheas. A blend containing peat moss, perlite, and a good quality potting soil provides the necessary aeration and water retention. During the active growing season, typically spring and summer, a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer can be applied monthly. It is important to dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to salt buildup and leaf burn. Fertilization should be reduced or stopped entirely during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth slows.
Pruning for Health and Shape
Tall calatheas generally do not require extensive pruning, but removing dead or yellowing leaves helps maintain plant health and appearance. Use clean, sharp shears to make cuts close to the base of the stem. This practice redirects the plant’s energy toward new, healthy growth. Occasional pruning can also help shape the plant and encourage a bushier growth habit.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Tall calatheas can encounter several common issues, often signaling an imbalance in their environment. Prompt identification and adjustment of care practices can help resolve these problems.
Crispy leaf edges frequently indicate low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increasing ambient humidity through humidifiers or pebble trays can alleviate this; ensure the soil remains consistently moist. Curling leaves are often a sign of underwatering or insufficient humidity. If leaves curl, checking the soil moisture and increasing humidity levels are important.
Pest infestations, including spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids, are concerns for calatheas. Spider mites thrive in dry conditions, so maintaining high humidity can deter them. Wiping leaves regularly with a damp cloth prevents pest buildup. For active infestations, insecticidal soap or neem oil are effective treatments.
Loss of variegation or dull leaf color results from inadequate light. Moving the plant to a location with brighter, indirect light restores its vibrant patterns. Too much direct light can also fade colors and burn leaves. Leggy growth, where stems appear stretched with sparse foliage, suggests the plant is not receiving enough light. Adjusting its position to a brighter spot encourages more compact growth.