Calathea sanguinea, also known as “Red-Veined Calathea” or “Red-Veined Prayer Plant,” is a captivating houseplant. This tropical plant is prized for its striking foliage and distinct patterns, adding a vibrant touch to any indoor space.
Identifying Calathea Sanguinea
Its deep green leaves have prominent red or reddish-purple veins on top, with a striking deep red or burgundy underside. This coloration is striking, especially as the plant moves. Calathea sanguinea forms a bushy, clump-forming habit, reaching about two feet tall. Like other Marantaceae, it exhibits nyctinasty, or “prayer plant” movement; leaves fold upwards at night and unfurl in morning, indicating light responsiveness.
Calathea Sanguinea Care
Calathea sanguinea thrives with consistent environmental care, which ensures its vibrant foliage remains healthy.
Light
For vivid leaf coloration, Calathea sanguinea prefers bright, indirect light. Place it in filtered sunlight, a few feet from a sunny or north-facing window. Direct sunlight can scorch leaves, causing faded colors or brown patches. Insufficient light results in duller patterns and leggy growth.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important for Calathea sanguinea, but avoid waterlogging. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. During spring and summer, water more frequently to keep soil moist; reduce watering in autumn and winter, allowing surface to dry slightly.
Distilled, filtered, or rainwater is recommended. Tap water minerals can accumulate, causing brown leaf tips or spots; if used, let it stand for 24 hours to help chlorine evaporate. Proper drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
Humidity
High humidity is important for Calathea sanguinea due to its rainforest habitat; low humidity causes brown, crispy leaf edges.
Increase humidity by placing the pot on a pebble tray with water, ensuring it doesn’t sit directly in water. A room humidifier is effective for consistent humidity, ideally around 60%. Grouping plants also helps raise local humidity through transpiration. Misting offers temporary relief but can encourage fungal issues.
Soil and Potting
An ideal soil mix for Calathea sanguinea is well-draining yet moisture-retentive. A suitable blend includes peat moss or coco coir, perlite, and bark, providing aeration and moisture retention. Houseplant potting mixes can be adapted with extra perlite or pumice for improved drainage.
Pots must have drainage holes to prevent water accumulation and root rot. Repot every one to two years, or when root-bound, ideally in spring for establishment. Choose a pot only one or two sizes larger than the rootball to prevent overpotting.
Temperature
Calathea sanguinea thrives in warm, stable temperatures, ideally 65-80°F (18-27°C). Consistent temperature is important; sudden fluctuations or temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can cause cold damage and stress.
Place the plant away from cold drafts (e.g., open windows, AC vents) and direct heat sources (e.g., radiators, fireplaces). These can cause leaf damage and negatively impact health. Stable, warm conditions ensure vigorous growth and vibrant foliage.
Fertilization
During the growing season (spring through summer), Calathea sanguinea benefits from fertilization. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK) diluted to half or quarter strength, once a month or every two to four weeks.
Over-fertilization can cause nutrient burn or salt buildup, leading to crispy leaf edges or decline. Reduce or stop fertilization in autumn and winter when growth slows. Organic options like worm castings provide a steady nutrient release, minimizing risk.
Propagating Calathea Sanguinea
Propagating Calathea sanguinea is achieved through division, a straightforward method performed when repotting. This creates new plants while refreshing the parent, and is successful when actively growing, in spring.
Remove the plant from its pot, loosening soil around the rootball. Observe rhizomes, horizontal underground stems from which new shoots and roots emerge. Identify natural divisions or clumps, ensuring each section has healthy roots and at least one or two leaves. Gently separate these sections by hand, minimizing root damage.
Pot each new division into its own container with fresh, well-draining potting mix, choosing an appropriate size. After potting, water to settle the soil. Place new plants in bright, indirect light with high humidity to encourage establishment.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Calathea sanguinea can exhibit issues, signaling environmental imbalances. Understanding these symptoms helps in diagnosing and remedying problems to restore plant health.
Brown leaf tips/edges: Result from low humidity or tap water mineral accumulation. Increase humidity or use filtered water.
Curling leaves: Indicate underwatering or low humidity. Check soil moisture and boost humidity.
Fading leaf color/pattern loss: Points to excessive light. Move to a shadier spot with bright, indirect light.
Drooping leaves: Signal underwatering (if dry) or overwatering (if soggy, indicating root rot).
Yellowing leaves: Associated with overwatering/root rot, or nutrient deficiency. Adjust watering and ensure drainage.
Stunted growth: May result from low light, nutrient lack, or being root-bound. Evaluate light, fertilize, or repot.
Pests and Diseases
Despite care, Calathea sanguinea can encounter pests and diseases. Early detection and treatment are important for maintaining plant health.
Spider mites: Common in dry conditions; signs include tiny dots, webbing, discoloration. Increase humidity to deter. Treat by wiping leaves or applying insecticidal soap/neem oil; use caution with neem oil on delicate leaves, consider rubbing alcohol.
Mealybugs: Appear as cottony masses, feeding on sap, causing yellowing/stunted growth. Treat by removal with alcohol swab, or insecticidal soap/neem oil.
Scale insects: Small bumps feeding on sap. Scrape off or treat with insecticidal soap.
Root rot: Prevalent from overwatering/poor drainage, causing yellowing leaves/mushy stems. Prevent by ensuring well-draining soil and allowing top inch to dry before watering.
Fungal spots: Dark spots with yellow halos, result from poor air circulation/leaf wetness. Avoid overhead watering, good airflow, remove affected leaves. Apply fungicide if needed.