Calathea

Calathea plants, also known as Prayer Plants, are known for their strikingly beautiful, patterned leaves and unique growth habit. These plants thrive in low-light conditions and are a great choice for adding tropical flair to your indoor space. However, they do require a bit more care and attention compared to some other houseplants, particularly in terms of humidity and watering.

Light

Ideal Light: Calatheas prefer bright, indirect light. They thrive in areas with dappled light, such as near east or west-facing windows.
Avoid: Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing brown or faded spots. Low light can also cause the plant’s growth to slow, and the colors in the leaves may become less vibrant.
Low Light Tolerance: While Calatheas can tolerate lower light levels, they may not grow as vigorously, and the variegation on the leaves might fade.

Watering

Frequency: Calatheas like to stay consistently moist, but they do not like to sit in waterlogged soil. Water when the top 1 inch of the soil feels dry, typically every 5-7 days, depending on the temperature and humidity.
Watering Tips: Use room temperature water. Calatheas are sensitive to fluoride and chlorine found in tap water, which can cause the tips of the leaves to brown. If possible, use filtered, distilled, or rainwater for best results.
Signs of Overwatering: Yellowing leaves and mushy stems are signs of overwatering. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom.
Signs of Underwatering: Wilting or crispy leaf edges can be signs that the plant is too dry. Be sure to water it thoroughly when this happens.

Temperature

Ideal Temperature: Calatheas prefer warm temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C - 27°C). They are sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.
Avoid: Keep the plant away from cold drafts, air conditioners, or heating vents. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can stress the plant and cause it to suffer.

Humidity

Ideal Humidity: Calatheas are tropical plants that thrive in high humidity (50-60% or higher). The more humidity, the better they will grow, and they are especially prone to crispy leaf edges in dry air.
Increase Humidity:
- Use a humidifier in the room where your Calathea is placed.
- Place the plant on a humidity tray (a shallow dish filled with pebbles and water).
- Group it with other plants to increase the local humidity.
- Light misting is also helpful, but avoid getting water on the leaves as it can promote fungal growth if not wiped off.

Soil

Best Soil: Calatheas prefer a well-draining, lightweight potting mix that retains moisture but does not stay soggy. A mix formulated for tropical plants or aroids works well, or you can make your own by combining peat moss, perlite, and coco coir.
Repotting: Calatheas grow relatively slowly and typically need repotting every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one, with good drainage.

Fertilization

Frequency: Fertilize your Calathea every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce or stop fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down.
Winter Care: Calatheas are not actively growing in the winter months, so they don’t need as much fertilizer. Fertilizing during this time can lead to nutrient buildup in the soil and damage the roots.
Fertilizer Tips: Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause nutrient burn and damage the delicate leaves.

Pruning & Maintenance

Pruning: Remove any yellow, brown, or damaged leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance and promote healthy growth. Cut back any leggy or unhealthy growth with clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Cleaning: Dust the leaves regularly with a soft, damp cloth to ensure the plant can photosynthesize effectively. Calatheas can accumulate dust on their large leaves, which can hinder their growth if not cleaned regularly.
Support: Calatheas are relatively low-maintenance in terms of support, but you can stake them if they become top-heavy or leggy.

Pests & Problems

Common Pests: Calatheas are prone to pests like mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. These pests can cause leaf damage, and spider mites, in particular, thrive in dry conditions.
Treatment: If you spot pests, treat the plant with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol. Be sure to treat the undersides of leaves where pests tend to hide.
Leaf Curling: If the edges of your Calathea’s leaves begin to curl, it could be a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Increase the humidity and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Brown Leaf Tips: Low humidity and over-fertilizing are common causes of brown tips. If you notice brown or crispy edges, check your environment for dryness and reduce fertilizer usage.

Toxicity

Note: Calatheas are non-toxic to both pets and humans. They are safe to have around children and pets, which makes them a great choice for homes with animals.

Additional Tips

Growth Habit: Calatheas are known for their dramatic, patterned leaves, and their leaves often move in response to light—hence the nickname “Prayer Plant.” At night, the leaves will fold upward, resembling hands in prayer.
Propagation: You can propagate Calathea by division. Carefully separate the plant into smaller sections, each with roots and stems, and replant them in fresh soil.
Air Purification: Like many houseplants, Calatheas can help purify the air by removing harmful toxins, making them a great choice for bedrooms or living areas.

Displaying Your Calathea

Calatheas look fantastic as statement plants with their stunning foliage. They do well in low-light spaces such as bathrooms, living rooms, or shaded corners. Just be sure to provide them with the humidity they need to keep their leaves looking their best.