Calathea plants, recognized for their striking foliage, bring a vibrant, tropical feel to any indoor setting. Often called “prayer plants,” their leaves uniquely fold upwards at night and lower during the day. Originating from Central and South American rainforests, Calatheas are celebrated for their diverse patterns, rich colors, and air-purifying qualities.
Calathea Plant Care
Light Needs
Calathea plants flourish in bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural habitat. Place them near a north or east-facing window, or use sheer curtains for filtered sunlight. Too much direct sun can scorch delicate leaves, causing fading, curling, or brown edges. Insufficient light may result in leggy growth, smaller leaves, and a loss of vibrant patterns.
Watering Practices
Consistent moisture is important for Calathea plants, but avoid waterlogging. The soil should remain evenly moist, feeling damp like a well-squeezed sponge. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of potting mix feel dry, typically every 1-2 weeks. Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater, as Calatheas are sensitive to chemicals like chlorine and fluoride in tap water, which can cause brown leaf edges.
Humidity and Temperature
High humidity is important for Calathea plants, reflecting their tropical origins. They thrive with 50% to 70% humidity, tolerating a minimum of 40%. Increase humidity by placing the plant on a pebble tray, grouping plants to create a microclimate, or using a humidifier. Maintain consistent temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C-27°C), as sudden fluctuations or cold drafts can stress the plant.
Soil and Fertilization
A well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix is ideal for Calathea plants. A blend of potting soil, peat, and perlite ensures proper drainage while retaining sufficient moisture. Calatheas do not require heavy fertilization; apply a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during their active growing season in spring and summer. Over-fertilization can lead to salt buildup, potentially harming the plant.
Solving Common Calathea Issues
Crispy or Brown Leaf Edges
Crispy or brown leaf edges often indicate low humidity or inconsistent watering. When the soil becomes too dry, the plant’s thin leaves dry out from the edges inward. Poor water quality, containing salts, chlorine, or fluoride, also contributes to leaf tip burn. To address this, ensure consistent soil moisture, increase humidity, and use filtered or distilled water.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves on a Calathea can signal several issues, with overwatering being a frequent cause. Excess moisture leads to root rot, preventing nutrient absorption. Insufficient lighting, low humidity, or over-fertilization can also cause leaves to yellow. Check soil moisture before watering, ensure adequate drainage, and provide appropriate light and humidity to resolve this.
Pest Problems
Calathea plants can be susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites, which thrive in dry air, cause fine webbing and yellow stippling on leaves. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cotton-like masses, often in leaf joints. Increasing humidity can deter spider mites. Physical removal with a damp cloth or alcohol-dipped cotton swab, and applying neem oil, are effective treatment methods for both pests.
Loss of Leaf Movement
The unique “prayer plant” movement (nyctinasty) is a hallmark of Calatheas, where leaves fold up at night and lower during the day. A loss of this movement indicates plant stress, often related to light conditions. Too little light or sudden environmental changes can disrupt this natural rhythm. Ensuring consistent, bright, indirect light and a stable environment can help encourage characteristic leaf movements.
Popular Calathea Types
The Calathea genus encompasses a wide array of species, each with distinct foliage patterns.
The ‘Rattlesnake Plant’ (Calathea lancifolia) has long, wavy leaves with dark green spots and a reddish-purple underside.
Calathea ‘Musaica’, also called the Network Calathea, features intricate crosshatched lines on its leaves.
Calathea ‘Ornata’, or Pinstripe Calathea, has dark green leaves with delicate pink or white pinstripes.
The ‘Medallion’ (Calathea roseopicta) displays broad, rounded leaves with vibrant green, white, and sometimes pink patterns on top and deep purple undersides. These diverse types showcase the visual richness within the Calathea family.
How to Propagate Calathea
Calathea plants are primarily propagated through division, best performed during spring or early summer, coinciding with their active growing season. This method involves gently separating the plant’s rhizomes or clumps into smaller sections. It is often convenient to divide the plant when it has outgrown its current container and is being repotted.
To propagate, carefully remove the mature plant from its pot and gently loosen the root ball. Identify natural divisions, ensuring each new section has healthy roots and foliage. If necessary, a sharp, clean knife can be used for separation, but gentle pulling is preferred. Plant each division in its own pot with a well-draining, moist soil mix.