Like all houseplants, you have to take right Calathea Care to ensure their stunning foliage stays attractive! Continue reading to learn how!
Calathea is a beautiful perennial with stunning bold patterns and upright oblong leaves that come in a range of colors! When it comes to maintenance, this tropical plant can be a bit fussy about temperature, light, and humidity requirements. Read the article and find out about Calathea Care in the right way!
Check out our article on watermelon peperomia care here!Â
Calathea Varieties
Calathea is available in a range of varieties, with unique markings and leaf structures! Varieties like Rattlesnake calathea, Peacock plant, and Corona are quite popular. All varieties have a similar growing and caring requirements.
Here are some of the best varieties of calathea that you can grow!Â
How to Grow Calathea?
Propagation
The best way to propagate calathea is through cuttings. Take 5-6 inches of stem cutting from a healthy plant and dip it in a rooting hormone. Plant it in well-draining soil. Water regularly, making sure that it never goes dry. The cutting will form roots in three to four weeks.
Choosing a Container
It depends on the size of your acquired calathea plant and its variety. A pot size of 8-10 inches is sufficient. You can use beautiful ceramic pots to add more beauty to the look of the plant! Keep in mind that the pot must have drainage holes at the bottom, as stored water can result in root rot.
Requirements for Growing Calathea
Location
This beautiful plant is not fussy about the light requirements and thrives well even in low light. Calathea performs poorly in the direct sun as it bleaches out the leaves. Place your plant near a location where it’ll receive bright indirect sunlight.
Tip: The darker the leaves, like calathea ornata, the lower the light requirements.
Soil
Calathea plants prefer moist soil. For best growth, prepare a mix of 50 percent potting soil, 20 percent charcoal, 20 percent orchid bark, and 10 percent perlite.
Water
While growing calathea indoors, you have to be a little careful as these plants are sensitive to the water used. Avoid using hard water. Using distilled water is best. Let the tap water sit overnight before using it to water the plants. Always keep the soil dry and never overwater. Allow 2-3 inches of the topsoil to go dry before watering again.
Humidity
Calathea performs well at a relative humidity level of 50 percent or more. Place the pot in a tray filled with water and pebbles, or use a humidifier. Grouping the plants also helps in increasing the humidity.
Temperature
As calathea is a tropical plant, it grows best within the temperature range of 60-80 F (15-26 C).
Note: Save the plant from drafts, cold, and severe temperature fluctuations.
Calathea Care
Fertilizer
The plants don’t need a lot of fertilizing. Use standard houseplant or balanced fertilizer like 15-15-15, diluted to 1/4 of its strength during spring and summer as it aids in growth and flowering.
Pests and Diseases
Be careful about red spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. They can be taken care of by using organic pest control methods. High soil humidity may cause fungus gnats but they are not harmful to the plant.
Pruning
One great news with these plants is they don’t require pruning other than removing yellow and brown wilted leaves.
Repotting
Re-pot Calathea every year or two. It is best to divide the plant during repotting. The best time to re-pot the plant is Spring.
Toxicity
According to ASPA, calathea plants are completely safe for your pets and kids, so no worries on that part!
