Calathea Bella, admired for its compact growth habit and striking foliage, offers unique ornamental appeal to indoor plant enthusiasts. Its leaves showcase intricate patterns and vibrant colors, making it a captivating addition to any living space. Its smaller stature makes it suitable for various settings, from desks to shelves, without demanding excessive room.
Calathea Bella Care
Light Needs
Calathea Bella thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. Placing the plant a few feet away from a window or in a room with ample ambient light is ideal. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the delicate leaves, leading to faded patterns and brown patches. Insufficient light can cause the vibrant leaf patterns to become dull and the plant’s growth to slow.
Watering
Consistent and proper watering is important for the health of Calathea Bella. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, allowing the top inch or two to dry out slightly between waterings. Using distilled, filtered, or rainwater is recommended, as Calatheas are sensitive to chlorine and minerals found in tap water, which can cause leaf browning. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering causes the leaves to curl and become crispy.
Humidity
These plants originate from tropical environments, requiring high humidity levels. Maintaining humidity around 60% or higher prevents crispy leaf edges and promotes lush growth. Methods to increase ambient humidity include placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, using a room humidifier, or grouping several plants together to create a localized humid microclimate. Regular misting is not sufficient to meet their high humidity demands.
Temperature
Calathea Bella prefers stable temperatures ranging from 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It is important to protect the plant from sudden temperature fluctuations, which can stress the foliage. Cold drafts from open windows, air conditioning vents, or heating units should be avoided, as prolonged exposure to temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can harm the plant. Maintaining consistent warmth is key for its health.
Soil Requirements
An ideal potting mix for Calathea Bella offers excellent drainage and good moisture retention. A blend containing peat moss, perlite, and a component like coco coir or orchid bark provides the necessary aeration and moisture-holding capacity. This combination ensures roots do not sit in soggy conditions while still having access to consistent moisture. A slightly acidic to neutral pH level, between 6.0 and 7.0, is preferred for optimal nutrient uptake.
Fertilizing
During the growing season, from spring through fall, Calathea Bella benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half its recommended strength, can be applied every two to four weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to salt buildup in the soil and damage the roots. Fertilization should be withheld during the winter months when the plant’s growth slows.
Repotting Your Calathea Bella
Repotting Calathea Bella is necessary every one to two years or when the plant becomes root-bound, indicated by roots circling the drainage holes. The best time for repotting is during the spring, just before the active growing season begins. Choose a new pot only one size larger than the current one, 1 to 2 inches wider in diameter, to prevent the soil from holding too much moisture. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, loosen any circling roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh, appropriate potting mix.
Propagating Calathea Bella
Propagating Calathea Bella is achieved through division, a process best performed during repotting in the spring. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring each new section has a healthy portion of roots and at least two to three leaves. Use a clean, sharp knife if necessary to make clean cuts between the sections. Plant each divided section into its own small pot filled with a suitable, well-draining potting mix.
After division, water the newly potted sections thoroughly and place them in a warm, humid environment with indirect light to minimize transplant shock. It may take several weeks for the divisions to establish new roots and show signs of active growth. Consistent moisture and stable conditions are important during this establishment phase.
Common Calathea Bella Problems
Browning leaf tips or edges are a common issue for Calathea Bella, indicating low humidity or sensitivity to minerals in tap water. Increasing ambient humidity through humidifiers or pebble trays and switching to distilled or filtered water can help alleviate this problem. Yellowing leaves, particularly on lower foliage, suggest overwatering or poor drainage, leading to root rot. Allow the topsoil to dry out more between waterings and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Curling leaves signal that the plant is underwatered or experiencing extremely low humidity. Checking soil moisture and adjusting watering frequency, along with boosting humidity, can help the leaves unfurl. Pests like spider mites thrive in dry conditions and can cause tiny webs and stippling on the leaves. Regularly inspecting the undersides of leaves and treating with insecticidal soap or neem oil can manage infestations.