Calatheas are popular houseplants with striking foliage and vibrant patterns. Their leaves often feature intricate designs in shades of green, pink, and purple, adding a touch of the tropics to any indoor space. These plants are also known for their unique “prayer plant” movement, where their leaves fold upwards at night and unfurl with the morning light.
Calathea Care Requirements
Light
Calatheas thrive in conditions that mimic their natural rainforest habitat, preferring bright, indirect light. Placing them in a spot with filtered light, such as a few feet away from a north- or east-facing window, is ideal. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, causing them to fade or develop brown, crispy patches. Lower light levels can diminish vibrant patterns.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important for Calatheas, but they are sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry. Frequency varies with season; more in warmer months, less in winter. Filtered, distilled, or rainwater is preferable, as Calatheas are sensitive to tap water minerals that cause leaf discoloration.
Humidity
High humidity is important for Calathea health. Maintaining levels around 50-80% helps prevent common issues like crispy leaf edges. Methods to increase humidity include pebble trays (ensuring the pot is not submerged). A humidifier is effective, and grouping plants can create a microclimate with higher localized humidity.
Soil and Fertilization
A well-draining yet moisture-retentive potting mix is best for Calatheas. A suitable blend includes peat moss or coco coir for moisture retention, and perlite or orchid bark for aeration and drainage. This prevents waterlogging and ensures root access to oxygen. Fertilize Calatheas sparingly during their active growing season, typically spring and summer. A diluted, balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer applied every four to six weeks is sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup.
Common Calathea Issues
Browning Leaf Tips and Edges
Browning leaf tips and edges are frequently observed in Calatheas, often indicating insufficient humidity or a buildup of minerals from tap water. Increasing ambient humidity through humidifiers or pebble trays can help mitigate this.
Curling or Drooping Leaves
Curling or drooping leaves commonly signal that the plant is underwatered or experiencing low humidity. Checking the soil moisture and adjusting watering practices, along with ensuring adequate humidity, can resolve this.
Faded Leaf Color
If leaf colors appear faded or washed out, it points to excessive direct light exposure, which can bleach the vibrant patterns. Moving the plant to a spot with more indirect light will help restore its coloration.
Pests
Calatheas can attract common houseplant pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. Regular inspection of leaves, especially the undersides, and prompt treatment with organic solutions like neem oil or insecticidal soap can manage infestations.
Popular Calathea Varieties
Calatheas exhibit a wide range of captivating patterns and colors.
- Calathea Orbifolia is admired for its large, rounded leaves adorned with striking silver-green stripes.
- Calathea Medallion features broad, medallion-like leaves with intricate green patterns on top and a deep burgundy underside.
- The Calathea Zebrina displays bold, dark green stripes resembling a zebra pattern on its velvety leaves.
- Calathea Rattlesnake (Goeppertia insignis) has elongated, wavy leaves with alternating patterns of dark green and light green, often with a purple underside.
- Calathea Roseopicta, known for its “rose-painted” appearance, showcases vibrant pink or red patterns against dark green foliage, with a rich purple underside.
Repotting and Propagation
Repotting
Repotting is necessary when the plant becomes root-bound, indicated by roots growing out of drainage holes or slowed growth. The best time for repotting is early spring, before the active growing season, to minimize stress. Choose a pot one or two inches larger in diameter, as overly large pots retain too much moisture and can lead to root rot. Gently remove the plant, loosen the root ball, and replant in fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Propagation
Propagation is primarily achieved through division, best performed during repotting. This involves separating the plant’s rhizomes, ensuring each new section has roots and a few leaves. Gently tease apart the root ball to find natural divisions, or use a clean, sharp knife. Pot divisions into their own containers with appropriate soil, placing them in a warm location with bright, indirect light to encourage new growth. Higher humidity aids establishment and recovery.