How to Grow and Care for Calathea

Calatheus, commonly known as the peacock plant, is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplant. It is native to tropical regions of Central and South America and is known for its attractive foliage and vibrant colors. If you are looking to add some color and life to your home, Calatheus is a perfect choice.

Bloom Time	Spring, summer
Flower Color	Purple, yellow, white
Sun Exposure	Partial, shade
Family	Marantaceae
Soil Type	Loamy, moist, well-drained
Plant Type	Herbaceous, perennial
Native Area	Central America, South America
Common Name	Calathea, prayer plant, zebra plant, rattlesnake plant, peacock plant
Botanical Name	Calathea
Soil pH	Acidic, neutral
Hardiness Zones	11–12 (USDA)
Mature Size	1–2 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide

• Calathea Zebrina: Also known as the Zebra Plant, this Calathea variety is popular because of its eye-catching zebra-like stripes that adorn its leaves.
• Calathea Orbifolia: This type of Calathea is popular for its intricate foliage, which is a combination of green and white stripes with a hint of purple.
• Calathea Lancifolia: Also known as the Rattlesnake Plant, this Calathea has a unique foliage pattern that looks like the stripes of a rattlesnake, hence its name.
• Calathea Makoyana: This Calathea is known for its attractive pink and green foliage with a silvery sheen.
• Calathea Medallion: This type of Calathea is popular for its distinctive round foliage with a distinct pattern resembling a medallion.

Calathea plants are popular houseplants for their attractive foliage and easy care. Here are some tips on how to grow and maintain calathea plants.

Light

Calathea plants prefer bright indirect light, but not direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves and cause them to lose their vibrant colors. Place your calathea plant near a window that receives filtered light [1], or use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light.

Soil

Calathea plants need well-draining soil that retains some moisture. A good potting mix for calathea plants is one part peat moss, one part perlite, and one part compost. You can also add some orchid bark or charcoal to improve the drainage and aeration of the soil.

Water

Calathea plants like to be kept moist, but not soggy. Water your calathea plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Use room-temperature water that is free of chlorine and fluoride, as these chemicals can damage the leaves. Avoid overwatering or underwatering your calathea plant, as both can cause leaf curling and browning.

Temperature and Humidity

Calathea plants are tropical plants that thrive in warm and humid conditions [2]. The ideal temperature range for calathea plants is 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Avoid exposing your calathea plant to cold drafts or extreme temperature fluctuations. To increase the humidity around your calathea plant, you can mist it regularly, place it on a tray of pebbles and water, or use a humidifier.

Fertilizer

Calathea plants do not need a lot of fertilizer, but they can benefit from a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Use half the recommended dose of fertilizer and dilute it with water before applying it to the soil. Do not fertilize your calathea plant in winter, as this can cause salt buildup in the soil and leaf burn.

Pruning Calathea is a simple but important task to keep your plants healthy and beautiful. Calathea are tropical plants that have stunning foliage with various patterns and colors. They are sensitive to their environment and require regular care and attention. Pruning Calathea helps to remove dead or damaged leaves, promote new growth, and maintain the shape and size of the plant. Here are some steps to follow when pruning Calathea:

• Use clean and sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid spreading diseases or damaging the plant.

• Cut off any brown, yellow, or wilted leaves at the base of the stem, close to the soil. Do not leave any stubs or cut into healthy tissue.

• Trim any leaves that have brown tips or edges by following the natural shape of the leaf. Cut along the leaf margin and try to match the original contour as much as possible.

• Remove any flowers or buds that may appear on your Calathea. They are not very showy and can drain energy from the foliage.

• Prune your Calathea as needed, but do not overdo it. You should not remove more than 20% of the foliage at a time.

• Dispose of the pruned leaves and stems properly and avoid leaving them on the soil or near the plant. They can attract pests or diseases that can harm your Calathea.

• After pruning, water your Calathea well and mist the leaves to increase humidity. You can also apply a balanced fertilizer to encourage new growth and recovery.

Propagating Calathea is a rewarding and enjoyable activity for plant lovers. Calathea are tropical plants that have stunning foliage and thrive in humid conditions. They can be propagated by division or by stem cuttings. Here are some steps to follow for successful propagation:

• Choose a healthy and mature Calathea plant that has at least two stems.

• Water the plant thoroughly and let it drain.

• Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the roots with your fingers or a knife.

• Identify the stems that have roots attached and cut them off with a sharp and sterile knife.

• Pot each stem in a small container with fresh potting mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter.

• Water the new plants lightly and place them in a warm and bright spot, but avoid direct sunlight.

• Cover the plants with a clear plastic bag or a dome to create a humid environment and prevent water loss.

• Mist the plants daily and check for signs of growth.

• Remove the cover once the plants have new leaves and roots.

• Enjoy your new Calathea plants!

Calathea is a genus of tropical plants with striking foliage that can brighten up any indoor space. Growing calathea from seed is not very common, but it is possible if you have access to fresh and viable seeds. Here are some steps to follow if you want to try this method of propagation.

1. Collect the seeds from a mature calathea plant. The seeds are contained in small pods that form at the base of the flower stalks. You can harvest them when they turn brown and dry.

2. Clean the seeds and remove any debris or pulp. You can soak them in water for a few hours to soften the outer coating and make them easier to peel.

3. Sow the seeds in a moist and well-draining potting mix. You can use a seed tray or small pots with drainage holes. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and mist them with water.

4. Place the seed tray or pots in a warm and humid place with bright indirect light. You can use a heating mat or a plastic dome to maintain the temperature and humidity. The ideal range is between 70°F and 80°F (21°C and 27°C).

5. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water the seeds gently and avoid overwatering or letting them dry out. You can also mist them daily to prevent them from losing moisture.

6. Wait for the seeds to germinate. This can take anywhere from two weeks to two months, depending on the freshness and quality of the seeds. You will see tiny green sprouts emerging from the soil.

7. Transplant the seedlings when they have at least two pairs of true leaves. You can move them to larger pots with fresh potting mix and continue to care for them as you would for any calathea plant.

Calathea plants are native to tropical regions and thrive in humid and warm conditions. They are popular houseplants for their colorful and patterned foliage, which can vary depending on the species and cultivar. Calathea plants prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil [3]  that is rich in organic matter. They also need bright, indirect light and regular watering to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

To pot or repot a calathea plant, you will need a suitable container with drainage holes, fresh potting mix, and some perlite or vermiculite to improve the aeration and drainage of the soil. You will also need a pair of scissors or pruning shears to trim any damaged or diseased roots or leaves. Here are the steps to follow:

• Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, but not too big. Calathea plants like to be snug in their pots and may not grow well if the pot is too spacious.

• Gently remove the plant from its old pot and shake off any excess soil. Inspect the roots for any signs of rot, pests, or disease and trim them if necessary.

• Fill the new pot with some potting mix and perlite or vermiculite and make a hole in the center. Place the plant in the hole and spread the roots evenly. Add more soil around the plant until it is firmly in place and the soil level is about an inch below the rim of the pot.

• Water the plant thoroughly until water drains out of the holes. Allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the plant in its desired location.

• Check the soil moisture regularly and water as needed. You can also mist the leaves occasionally to increase the humidity around the plant.

Calathea is a genus of tropical plants that are prized for their attractive foliage and sometimes colorful flowers. However, not all calathea species produce blooms, and even those that do may not flower regularly. If you want to encourage your calathea to bloom, here are some tips to follow:

1. Provide adequate light. Calathea plants prefer bright, indirect light, but not direct sun. Too much or too little light can stress the plant and prevent flowering.

2. Maintain optimal temperature and humidity. Calathea plants thrive in warm and humid conditions, similar to their native rainforest habitat. The ideal temperature range is 65-85°F (18-29°C), and the humidity level should be above 50%. You can increase humidity by misting the plant, using a humidifier, or placing it on a tray of pebbles and water.

3. Fertilize regularly. Calathea plants need a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) to support their growth and flowering. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer or a slow-release granular fertilizer, and avoid over-fertilizing as this can burn the roots and leaves.

4. Prune and repot as needed. Calathea plants may need pruning to remove dead or damaged leaves and stems, and to shape the plant. Pruning can also stimulate new growth and flowering. Repotting may be necessary every year or two, depending on the size of the plant and the pot. Choose a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes, and repot in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.

5. Be patient. Calathea plants are not known for their prolific flowering, and some varieties may never bloom at all. The main attraction of these plants is their foliage, which can have stunning patterns and colors. Enjoy your calathea for its leaves, and consider any flowers as a bonus.

Calathea are beautiful tropical plants that are prized for their colorful and patterned foliage. However, they can also be quite sensitive and fussy, and may develop some common problems if their growing conditions are not optimal. Here are some of the most common issues that calathea owners may encounter, and how to fix them.

• Brown leaf tips or edges: This is usually a sign of low humidity, which calathea plants need to thrive. To increase humidity, you can mist your plant regularly, place it on a tray of pebbles and water, or use a humidifier near your plant. You can also trim off the brown parts of the leaves with clean scissors to improve the appearance of your plant.

• Yellow or drooping leaves: This could indicate overwatering or underwatering, both of which can stress your plant and cause root rot. To check the soil moisture, insert your finger into the top inch of the soil. If it feels soggy or wet, you need to let your plant dry out a bit before watering again. If it feels dry or hard, you need to water your plant more frequently and thoroughly. Make sure your pot has drainage holes and use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.

• Curling or rolling leaves: This is a way for your plant to conserve water when it is exposed to too much light or heat. Calathea plants prefer bright indirect light and moderate temperatures, so avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near heat sources. You can also move your plant to a shadier spot or provide some shade with a sheer curtain or a screen.

• Faded or bleached leaves: This is another symptom of too much light, which can damage the chlorophyll and pigments in your plant's leaves. As mentioned above, calathea plants do best in bright indirect light, so move your plant away from direct sun exposure and monitor its response.

• Pests or diseases: Calathea plants can attract some common pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, or aphids. These can be treated with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or rubbing alcohol. You can also wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris that may harbor pests. Calathea plants can also suffer from fungal diseases such as leaf spot or root rot, which can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and providing good air circulation around your plant.

Calathea is a genus of plants that belong to the family Marantaceae. They are native to tropical regions of the Americas and are known for their striking foliage patterns and colors. Calathea plants are popular as houseplants because they can tolerate low light and humidity levels. However, they also have some specific care requirements that you should be aware of. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Calathea and how to grow them successfully.

Why are my Calathea leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves can be a sign of several issues, such as too much light, underwatering, or a chemical imbalance in the soil. Make sure to check for these issues, and adjust your care routine accordingly.

Are Calathea plants toxic to pets?

Calathea plants are not considered toxic to dogs or cats, but they can cause stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea if ingested. It’s best to keep your Calathea plants out of the reach of your pets.

What is the best way to propagate my calathea?

The best way to propagate a calathea is by division. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and separate the roots. Replant the divisions in their own containers. You can also propagate from stem cuttings, taken from the tip of a stem and placed in a moist medium.

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1. Filtered light - National Library of Medicine

2. Humid conditions - National Weather Service

3. Acidic soil - National Library of Medicine