Calathea Concinna, known as ‘Freddie’, is a popular houseplant with striking foliage. Its distinctive wavy leaves have a light green base, dark green stripes, and rich purple undersides. Originating from Brazil’s tropical rainforests, this prayer plant exhibits characteristic leaf movements, folding up at night and unfurling in the morning.
Caring for Your Calathea Concinna
Light
Calathea Concinna thrives in bright, indirect light. Place the plant a few feet from a north- or east-facing window for suitable illumination. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, causing damage and faded patterns. Insufficient light can cause loss of variegation and leggy growth.
Watering
Watering Calathea Concinna requires careful attention to prevent overwatering and underwatering. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry before watering thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s bottom. Distilled, filtered, or rainwater is recommended, as tap water minerals can cause leaf tip browning. Overwatering leads to root rot, while underwatering results in crispy leaves.
Humidity
High humidity is important for Calathea Concinna, reflecting its tropical origins. Insufficient humidity causes crispy leaf edges and stunted growth. Maintain moisture by placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot does not sit directly in it. A nearby humidifier or grouping plants together also elevates humidity.
Soil
A well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix is ideal. A suitable blend includes peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark. This combination ensures root aeration while retaining moisture. Proper drainage prevents waterlogging and root issues.
Temperature
Maintain a consistent temperature for Calathea Concinna, ideally between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It prefers stable conditions and is sensitive to sudden temperature fluctuations. Place it away from drafty windows, AC vents, or heating elements to avoid stress.
Fertilizer
During its active growing season (spring and summer), Calathea Concinna benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every 2-4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to nutrient burn and root damage. Suspend fertilization during dormant winter months.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Browning or crispy leaf edges often indicate low humidity or sensitivity to tap water minerals. Increase ambient humidity and switch to distilled or rainwater. Yellowing leaves, especially lower ones, frequently signal overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Adjust the watering schedule to allow the soil to dry more between waterings.
Curling leaves point to insufficient moisture from underwatering, low humidity, or temperature stress. Consistent soil moisture and adequate humidity usually resolve this.
Calathea Concinna can occasionally encounter common houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Regularly inspect leaves, especially undersides, for early detection, and treat with organic solutions like neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Repotting and Propagation
Repotting Calathea Concinna is necessary when the plant becomes root-bound, typically every 1-2 years. Choose a new pot only slightly larger than the previous one, ensuring drainage holes. Handle the plant gently to minimize root disturbance and use fresh, appropriate potting mix.
Propagation is primarily through division, best performed during repotting. Carefully separate rhizomes, ensuring each new section has healthy roots and at least one or two leaves. Plant divisions into small pots with suitable soil. This creates new plants while refreshing the parent.