The Calathea genus, now often botanically classified as Goeppertia, is widely recognized for its diverse and strikingly patterned foliage, earning its common name of “Prayer Plant.” The ‘Green Lipstick’ cultivar (Goeppertia roseopicta ‘Green Lipstick’) is a particularly coveted variety. It features deep green leaves with an elegant, contrasting band of lighter green circling the margin. This tropical beauty, native to the rainforest understory of South America, exhibits a fascinating daily movement where its leaves fold upward at night (nyctinasty). While the plant is sensitive to environmental changes, careful attention rewards the grower with a vibrant, exotic display.
Ideal Placement and Environment
The placement of a ‘Green Lipstick’ Calathea must replicate the filtered light it receives beneath the dense canopy of its natural habitat. Providing bright, indirect light is necessary for the plant to thrive and maintain its vibrant coloration. Position the plant a few feet away from an east or west-facing window. A south-facing window shielded by a sheer curtain also offers the ideal intensity. Direct afternoon sunlight must be avoided entirely, as the intense rays can quickly scorch the delicate foliage, leading to faded patterns and dry brown patches on the leaves.
Maintaining a consistently warm environment without temperature fluctuations is equally important for this tropical species. The ideal temperature range for Goeppertia roseopicta is between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Temperatures dipping below 60°F can cause significant stress. Keep the plant away from cold drafts from exterior doors or windows, as well as the drying air produced by heating and cooling vents.
Humidity is perhaps the single most important environmental factor for the health of a Calathea, requiring levels consistently above 60% to prevent leaf edge browning. In a typical indoor environment, achieving this high humidity often necessitates intervention beyond simple misting, which offers only a temporary increase. Placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, where the evaporation moistens the surrounding air, is a more sustained solution. The use of a small room humidifier positioned near the plant offers the most reliable method for maintaining the high moisture levels needed for pristine foliage.
Essential Watering and Feeding Routines
A consistent watering schedule is paramount for the ‘Green Lipstick’ Calathea, as the plant prefers its soil to be constantly moist but never waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top one to two inches of the potting medium feel dry to the touch, ensuring excess water drains completely from the bottom of the container. Allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings will quickly lead to stress, causing the leaves to curl inward as a mechanism to conserve moisture.
The quality of the water used is a specific requirement for this plant, which is highly sensitive to the mineral salts and chemicals often present in standard tap water. Fluoride and chlorine can build up in the soil over time and cause a condition known as mineral burn, typically manifesting as brown or crisp leaf tips and edges. To prevent this, it is recommended to use distilled water, collected rainwater, or filtered water for all watering and misting needs.
The soil mixture itself should be light, airy, and rich in organic matter to facilitate both moisture retention and proper drainage. A peat-based potting mix amended with perlite or orchid bark works well, creating a substrate that holds consistent moisture without becoming dense or compacted. Fertilization is only necessary during the active growing season, which spans from early spring through the end of summer.
During this period, a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer should be applied, diluted to half the strength recommended on the product label, approximately once every four weeks. This light feeding regime provides the necessary nutrients for new growth without risking the buildup of salts, which can also contribute to leaf burn. Fertilizing should be completely suspended during the fall and winter months when the plant naturally enters a period of slower growth.
Managing Growth and Propagation
Repotting the ‘Green Lipstick’ Calathea is generally an infrequent task, typically needed only every one to two years when the plant becomes visibly root-bound. The ideal time for this process is in early spring, just before the plant begins its most vigorous period of growth. When selecting a new container, choose one that is only one size larger than the current pot. This prevents the soil from remaining wet for too long, which can invite root rot.
The only reliable method for increasing the number of ‘Green Lipstick’ plants is through division, which is performed during the repotting process. After carefully removing the plant and gently loosening the soil around the root ball, look for natural clumps or offsets that have developed their own root systems. Gently separate these clumps from the parent plant using clean hands or a sterilized blade, ensuring each new section has a healthy cluster of roots and at least a few leaves.
Each newly divided section should be potted immediately into fresh, well-draining soil and watered thoroughly to help reduce transplant shock. Routine maintenance also includes occasionally wiping the leaves with a soft, damp cloth. Removing accumulated dust allows the foliage to absorb light more efficiently, supporting the plant’s overall health and growth.
Troubleshooting Common Calathea Issues
The appearance of brown or crispy edges and tips on the leaves is the most frequently observed problem, signaling an issue with either low humidity or mineral sensitivity. Calatheas require humidity levels consistently above 60%. Increasing the ambient humidity and strictly using filtered or distilled water will resolve the problem, although the existing damaged leaves will not recover.
Leaves that begin to curl or droop significantly are typically an indication of either severe underwatering or exposure to cold temperatures. When the soil has been allowed to dry excessively, the leaves roll inward to reduce the surface area exposed to the air. A sudden cold draft can also cause a temporary collapse of the leaf structure. Checking the soil moisture and ensuring the plant is situated in a stable, warm location are the immediate corrective actions.
Calatheas can also be susceptible to common houseplant pests, most notably spider mites, which thrive in dry air conditions. These tiny arachnids cluster on the undersides of the leaves and can cause a stippled, pale appearance on the foliage. Treatment involves isolating the plant and thoroughly cleaning the leaves with a gentle insecticidal soap or a diluted neem oil solution. Maintaining high humidity is the best preventative measure against a spider mite infestation.