Calathea plants, recognized for their striking foliage and unique “prayer” movements, bring a touch of the tropics indoors. Native to South American rainforests, these captivating plants belong to the Marantaceae family, including popular varieties like peacock and rattlesnake plants. Their vibrant, intricately patterned leaves fold upwards at night and unfurl with morning light, a distinctive movement known as nyctinasty.
Essential Calathea Care
Light Needs
Calatheas thrive in conditions mimicking their natural rainforest understory habitat, preferring bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves, causing fading or brown spots. Position your Calathea near a north or east-facing window, or several feet back from a south-facing window with sheer curtains to diffuse intense light. Too little light may slow growth and dull leaf patterns.
Watering Practices
Consistent moisture is important for Calathea plants, but they should never sit in soggy soil. Water when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering may result in crispy or curling leaves. Calatheas are sensitive to salts, chlorine, and minerals in tap water, which can cause browning leaf tips. Using filtered, distilled, or rainwater is recommended.
Humidity Requirements
These tropical plants have high humidity needs, ideally preferring levels of 50% or higher. Low humidity often causes brown leaf edges and tips. To increase humidity, place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water. Grouping Calatheas with other plants or using a room humidifier can also be effective.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, moisture-retentive, and airy soil mix is suitable for Calatheas. A common blend includes potting soil, perlite for aeration and drainage, and peat moss or coco coir for moisture retention. This mix mimics their natural forest floor habitat. Proper drainage holes in the pot are also important to prevent waterlogging and maintain root health.
Fertilizing Guidelines
Calatheas benefit from fertilization during their active growing season, typically spring through summer. A balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, applied once a month is sufficient. Avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant. During fall and winter, when growth slows, reduce or stop feeding entirely.
Temperature Preferences
Calatheas thrive in consistent warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). They are sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, which can cause stress. Keep them away from air conditioning vents, heaters, or drafty windows to maintain stable conditions. Temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can be harmful.
Troubleshooting Calathea Issues
Leaf Problems
Browning leaf tips and edges often indicate low humidity or tap water issues. Curling leaves suggest underwatering, insufficient humidity, or cold drafts. Yellowing leaves typically signal overwatering, though nutrient deficiencies or inadequate light can also be causes. Faded leaf patterns suggest too much direct light. Adjusting environmental conditions and water quality can address these concerns.
Pest Management
Calatheas can be susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. Spider mites, indicated by tiny webs and stippling, thrive in dry conditions. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses. Early detection aids effective treatment. Infestations often require wiping leaves with a damp cloth, using insecticidal soap, or applying neem oil.
Growing Your Calathea Collection
Repotting Your Plant
Repot Calatheas every one to two years, or when root-bound (roots growing from drainage holes or slowed growth). Repotting is best done in early spring before active growth. Choose a new pot only one to two inches larger to avoid overpotting and excessive moisture retention. Gently remove the plant, brush off old soil, and place it in fresh, well-draining potting mix, ensuring the top of the rootball is just below the surface.
Propagating New Plants
Division is the most common and effective propagation method, typically performed during repotting in spring. Carefully remove the plant and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each has roots and foliage. If roots are tightly tangled, a sharp knife can be used. Pot each division in fresh, well-draining soil, providing consistent moisture and indirect light for establishment.