Calathea plants are tropical plants native to the rainforests of Central and South America, known for their striking foliage and distinctive leaf movements. They are often called “prayer plants” due to their unique habit of folding their leaves upwards at night and unfurling them with the morning light. This movement, known as nyctinasty, is a response to light changes, allowing them to maximize light absorption. Their visual appeal makes them a captivating addition to any indoor plant collection.
Calathea Care Essentials
Calathea plants thrive when specific environmental conditions are met. Understanding these requirements helps maintain their vibrant foliage and overall health.
Light
Calatheas prefer bright, indirect light, mimicking the dappled sunlight of their native rainforest. Place them where they receive filtered light, such as near an east- or west-facing window. Direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves, causing patterns to fade or brown patches. Consistent medium to bright indirect light supports their best growth and coloration.
Water
Consistent moisture is important for Calatheas, but they are sensitive to overwatering. The soil should remain evenly moist, like a wrung-out sponge, but never soggy, to prevent root rot. Water your Calathea when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater, as tap water minerals can cause leaf browning.
Humidity
High humidity is a critical factor for Calatheas, which prefer levels of 50% and higher. Insufficient humidity can lead to crispy, brown leaf edges. To increase humidity, use a humidifier, place the pot on a pebble tray (ensuring the pot does not sit in standing water), or group Calatheas with other plants. Bathrooms or kitchens often provide naturally higher humidity levels.
Soil and Fertilizer
A well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix is best for Calatheas. A suitable blend includes compost, pine bark, coco coir, and perlite, ensuring adequate drainage and providing nutrients. Fertilize monthly during the active growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength. Reduce or cease fertilization during fall and winter when growth slows.
Temperature
Calatheas thrive in warm environments, preferring temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C-30°C). They are sensitive to cold temperatures and sudden fluctuations. Temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can cause stress and damage. Place them away from drafts, open windows, and heating or cooling vents to maintain a stable temperature.
Common Calathea Problems and Solutions
Calatheas can exhibit signs of distress. Recognizing common issues and their solutions helps restore the plant’s health. Many problems often stem from inconsistencies in their preferred environmental conditions.
Browning leaf tips or edges are a frequent concern, often caused by low humidity or mineral accumulation from tap water. Increase ambient humidity with humidifiers or pebble trays. Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater to prevent mineral buildup. Severe underwatering can also cause entire leaves to turn brown and crispy.
Curling leaves signal a lack of water, either from underwatering or insufficient humidity. The leaves curl to conserve moisture. Ensuring the soil is consistently moist and boosting humidity levels resolves this issue. Cold temperatures or drafts can also cause leaves to curl.
Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering, leading to root suffocation. Allowing the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings helps prevent this. Yellowing can also result from nutrient deficiencies, too much light, or dry soil from severe underwatering. Adjust watering practices and light exposure based on symptoms.
Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems and sparse foliage, indicates insufficient light. Calatheas need adequate brightness to maintain compact growth and vibrant leaf patterns. Moving the plant to a brighter, indirectly lit location can encourage healthier growth. Faded leaf patterns also suggest too much direct light.
Calatheas can be susceptible to common houseplant pests, including spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats. Regularly inspect leaves, especially the undersides. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Popular Calathea Varieties
The genus Calathea encompasses a diverse range of plants. Their varied patterns and colors make them highly sought after by plant collectors.
The Calathea Orbifolia is recognized for its large, round leaves with prominent silver-green stripes against a darker green background.
Calathea Medallion (Goeppertia veitchiana) features broad, round leaves with intricate patterns of light and dark green, often accented with vibrant pink or white veins, and a rich purple underside.
The Calathea Makoyana, also known as the Peacock Plant, displays feather-like patterns of dark green and light green on its leaves, with a reddish-purple underside.
Calathea Rattlesnake (Goeppertia insignis or Calathea lancifolia) has long, wavy-edged leaves adorned with dark green spots resembling a rattlesnake’s markings, complemented by a deep burgundy underside.
Is Calathea Pet Safe?
Calathea plants are generally considered non-toxic to household pets, including cats and dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists Calathea species as non-toxic.