Calathea plants are native to tropical regions of South America. They’re known for their beautiful, colorful leaves which often have patterns or markings. Other common names for this plant include Zebra Plant, Peacock Plant, and Prayer Plant.

With more than 300 species, these popular houseplants are relatively easy to look after.

A bit of know-how is required when growing calatheas indoors. So under the right conditions, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, healthy plant that will make a dramatic statement in your home. 

Here are some tips on calathea plant care.

Light 

Calatheas prefer indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun. However, if exposed to too much sun, their leaves will scorch, and their patterns could fade.

Interestingly enough, at night, the leaves of calatheas will fold inwards as if they’re praying. This is why they’re sometimes called Prayer Plants. This process is referred to as nyctinasty and is believed to take place as a result of light and temperature changes.

Water

Calatheas like to be kept moist but not soggy. 

Water your plant when the top of the potting soil feels dry to the touch, but don’t let it sit in water. In terms of frequency, water your indoor calathea about once a week.

If you opt to bottom water your plant, place the pot in a sink or basin filled with an inch or two of lukewarm water and allow the plant to drink until saturation, which takes about 15 minutes. Drain any excess water from the drainage tray after bottom watering.

If possible, use filtered or distilled water for calatheas because they’re sensitive to chemicals like the chlorine found in tap water.  Alternatively, you could dechlorinate your tap water by setting it out in the sun for 24 hours.

Humidity

Calatheas prefer high humidity. 

You can increase the humidity by using a pebble tray or misting your plant with water a few times a week.

Temperature 

Calatheas like warm temperatures and will do best in a room that’s between 65° and 80° F (18° – 26° C). 

If the leaves of your calathea start to turn brown, this is usually a sign that the plant is too hot or too cold.

Fertilizer 

Calatheas should be fertilized every month during the growing season, which is typically from spring to fall. 

You can use a liquid fertilizer diluted to half the strength recommended on the package. Be sure to stop fertilizing in the winter when the plant is dormant.

Pests and Diseases 

Calatheas are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids.

If you notice any of these pests on your plant, you can treat them with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Common calathea diseases include root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. 

Root rot is caused by the plant sitting in waterlogged soil, so be sure to use the bottom watering method and let the plant drain thoroughly after each watering.

Leaf spot and powdery mildew are both caused by too much moisture. These can be controlled by increasing air circulation around the plant and decreasing the amount of water you give it.

One way to increase air circulation is to use a humidifier. This will put moisture back into the air, which will be beneficial for the plant. Also, weather-permitting, you could open a window, or use an oscillating fan set on low. Just be sure not to aim the airflow directly at your plant, as this could cause the leaves to turn brown and dry out.

Soil 

Calatheas prefer rich, well-draining soil. A good potting mix for calatheas should contain peat moss, perlite, and bark.

You can make your own potting mix or purchase one from a garden center.

Ensure that the soil retains moisture but doesn’t stay soggy.

Soil that is acidic to some degree, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for calatheas. If you’re not sure about the pH level of your soil, you can test it with a pH meter or pH test kit.

Repotting 

Calatheas should be repotted every year or two. They prefer to be pot-bound, so only move them up one pot size at a time.

When repotting, be sure to use fresh potting mix and a repot in a container with drainage holes.

Propagation 

Calatheas can be propagated by division or by rooting stem cuttings in water. 

To propagate by division, remove the plant from its pot and carefully divide the root ball into two or more sections. Replant each section in its own pot.

To propagate by stem cuttings, cut a 4–6-inch piece of stem from the plant. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a glass of water.  Change the water every few days and wait for the roots to develop. Once the roots are about an inch long, you can plant the cutting in potting mix.

Size 

Calatheas vary in size, but most stay relatively small. They can reach heights of 2-3 feet (60 – 91 cm) and widths of 1-2 feet (30 – 60 cm).

Growth 

Calatheas are slow-growing plants. They typically only grow a few inches per year.

Foliage 

The foliage of calatheas is often the most interesting part of the plant. The leaves are large, usually 6-12 inches (15 – 30 cm) long and have beautiful markings or patterns. The colors can range from deep green to almost purple.

Common calathea varieties include: 

– Calathea Zebrina (Zebra Plant)

– Calathea Makoyana (Peacock Plant)

– Calathea Prayer Plant

– Calathea Freddie Plant

– Calathea Roseopicta (Rose Painted Calathea)

– Calathea Orbifolia (Round Leaf Calathea)

– Calathea Lancifolia (Rattlesnake Calathea)

– Calathea Warscewiczii (Calathea Jungle Velvet)

Calathea Plant Care Tips

Now that you know the basics of calathea plant care, here’s a summary of the tips to keep your plant healthy:

• Make sure the pot you’re using has drainage holes.
• Give your calathea bright, indirect light.
• Be careful not to overwater your plant.
• Increase the humidity around your calathea if the leaves start to turn brown.
• Fertilize your plant every month during the growing season.
• Repot your calathea every year or two.
• Propagate calathea by division or stem cuttings.
  

By following the simple tips in this article you’ll be able to grow your very own calatheas indoors.  With a little care, calatheas make beautiful houseplants. Enjoy your calathea and don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties to find the one that’s perfect for you.