How to Grow and Care for Calathea

2023-06-21
How to Grow and Care for Calathea

Calathea plants (Calathea spp.) have quickly become one of the most popular houseplants due to their diverse leaf forms and colors. Native to Central and South America, these beauties thrive in warm, humid environments and plenty of filtered, indirect sun, where their leaves capture the light and stand out even among the dense foliage of tropical forests.

Like their relatives, prayer plants (Maranta leuconeura), calatheas fold up their leaves at night into a prayer-like pose. For this reason, calathea is also sometimes called prayer plant, leading to some confusion in the trade. Like their relatives, calatheas require some extra effort to keep them healthy in the home environment. This guide covers best practices, pest prevention, propagation, and a few of the common species you might find available.

Calathea Overview

Genus Name Calathea
Common Name Calathea
Plant Type Perennial
Light Part Sun
Height 2 to 3 feet
Width 2 to 3 feet
Flower Color Orange, Pink, Purple, White, Yellow
Foliage Color Blue/Green, Gray/Silver, Purple/Burgundy
Zones 11
Propagation Division

Where to Plant Calathea

Outside of the subtropics and tropics, calathea plants must be grown indoors as houseplants. Keep the plants in a warm, well-lit location away from heater vents and strong fans. Kitchens and bathrooms tend to provide higher humidity; if bright enough, they make excellent locations for your calatheas to flourish.

How and When to Plant Calathea

Calatheas can be transplanted or repotted in fresh potting soil at any time of the year when grown indoors. When it is time to repot your plants, follow the general rule of up-sizing or “up-potting” one size larger; move from a 4-inch pot to a 6-inch pot or from a 6-inch pot to an 8-inch pot, for example.

Calathea Care Tips

Light

Calatheas prefer bright, indirect light. While they are often sold as “low-light” plants, this term is subjective, and they’re sometimes given conditions far too dim for their survival. A location next to an east, south, or west-facing window just out of the direct sun will typically give calatheas plenty of light.

Soil and Water

Calatheas prefer well-drained soil and quickly become unhealthy in overly saturated conditions. Standard potting soil can be amended for better drainage by combining three parts potting soil to one part perlite.

Keep the calatheas moist at all times and water as needed rather than on a set schedule. Drench the soil thoroughly during each watering and allow all excess water to drain away from the roots. Yellowing or wilting leaves indicate overwatering, so if you notice these problems, cut back on your watering schedule.

Temperature and Humidity

Calatheas are tropical plants that thrive in warm, humid conditions. Keep them in a warm location where temperatures rarely drop below 65°F. A horticultural heating pad can be beneficial in cooler locations.

While spritzing plants with a water bottle doesn't provide enough additional humidity to benefit your plants, using a room humidifier can significantly raise the moisture level for calatheas to thrive while also benefiting the room occupants.

Fertilizer

Most potted plants benefit from occasional fertilizer applications, and calatheas are no exception. Use a balanced liquid-soluble fertilizer every third watering while the plants are actively growing or flowering, following the product packaging for the correct quantity. Calatheas tend to slow their growth during cooler months, and fertilizing should cease during this time.

Potting and Repotting Calathea

When you repot a prayer plant, choose a pot one size larger than the nursery container or previous pot. Calatheas are relatively slow growers, so they only need to be repotted every one or two years. Remove the plant from its pot, shake it to dislodge any loose soil, and repot it in fresh soil.

Pests and Problems

Calatheas are extremely sensitive to watering and should be kept moist—but not wet—at all times. Underwatering and overwatering are the most common problems growers have with their plants. Self-watering pots and other watering devices are not recommended as they tend to over-saturate the soil, which leads to root rot. Soggy compost can also cause root rot, which will be evident if the plant base is blackened. Allow the compost to dry out before adding any more water.

Pests common to calatheas include mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites. Before using pesticides, spray the plants with warm, pressurized water to physically wash away the pests. Tipping the plant to the side while rinsing them directs the pests off the leaves and away from the plant and soil below. After plants have been cleaned with warm water, organic pesticides such as pyrethrin and neem oil can be used if water alone doesn't clear up the problem.

How to Propagate Calathea

Calatheas are best propagated by dividing mature plants. Remove the plant from the pot and gently shake it to loosen the soil. Gently pull apart the root ball with your hands to divide off individual plants. Use clean scissors or shears to cut any connected stems or roots. Fill a pot with fresh potting soil and place each division into its own pot at the same depth it was growing in the original container. Water the individual pots to remove air pockets and keep the plants in a warm, bright location.

Types of Calatheas

Several species of calatheas are widely available on the market, and most have similar growing conditions. Here are a few common species you might find.

Rattlesnake Plant

Goeppertia insignis (syn. Calathea lancifolia) is a narrow-leafed plant that gets its common name from its uniquely patterned green leaves and wine-stained leaf undersides. This makes it an extremely attractive houseplant.

Zebra Plant

The zebra plant (Calathea zebrina) is another common and readily available calathea on the market. It looks a bit like its relatives, the prayer plants, mixed with an unrelated small banana plant. The light green leaves with dark mottling on upright plants that grow to about 3 feet are bound to attract attention.

Peacock Plant

Another flashy plant, the peacock plant (Calathea makoyana), produces large, rounded leaves in mottled green with a slight purple tint on the undersides. Under good conditions, they grow to about 2 feet tall and make a beautiful centerpiece that can be viewed from all angles.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why don’t my calathea plants fold up at night?

    If your otherwise healthy plants are not moving at night, it’s possible they’re receiving too much artificial light, whether from nightlights or street lamps.

  • Are calatheas toxic?

    No, calatheas are nontoxic and do not pose a threat to humans or other animals.

  • Why are my plant’s leaves dull and not shiny?

    Calatheas require a high level of humidity to thrive. Dull leaves that lack a shine often indicate that the humidity is too low. Clean the leaves with warm water to wash off any dust that might have accumulated, and move the plant to an area with higher humidity.

Related Article

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

Rose of Jericho is a unique houseplant that can survive with minimal water, making it a great option for travelers and forgetful gardeners.
21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

Color is always nice, but scale is everything when choosing miniature garden plants. Peruse our favorite picks for fairy gardens and terrariums.
13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

Create a gorgeous, pollinator-friendly garden by including these nectar-rich plants.
Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is coleus a perennial that comes back every year? That depends on where you live and how you care for it. Use these tips to enjoy coleus as a colorful perennial or annual plant.
How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

Ranunculus are favorite flowers for weddings, arrangements, and gardens. Here's how to plant and grow ranunculus.
How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

This guide on how to grow glossy abelia includes essential planting and care tips such watering, fertilizing, and pruning needs. You'll also find popular types of abelia to grow and pretty companion plants for this flowering shrub.
Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas not blooming can be a frustrating problem for gardeners. These straightforward tips will promote tons of long-lasting flowers.
10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

Mix and match these sweet potato companion plants in your vegetable beds for pest-free crops and easier gardening.
How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

Learn how to harvest mint to keep plants more manageable and gather fresh mint leaves for cooking, drying, and storing!
How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

These easy-to-follow tips will help you figure out how and when to harvest radishes for the best flavor and size. Plus, get troubleshooting advice if your radish roots aren't developing properly.
How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

Find out exactly how and when to start tomato seeds indoors so they'll be ready to transplant into your garden in spring.
Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Learn the differences between tillers and cultivators and the tasks they're best suited for.
Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Composting is a simple way to turn your kitchen and yard waste into food for your garden. But some of these items should never be in compost.
Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

With a bit of grass seed or sod, lawn repair is easy, and you’ll soon have a lush green carpet again.
What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

Tiny white bugs on plants in your home or outdoors can be a big problem. Learn how to identify and get rid of them with this guide.
How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

Protect your plants from the most common diseases. Learn to recognize the symptoms and how to prevent these diseases in the first place.
How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

Decorative rocks and stones add another element of nature to your yard, whether you grow hydrangeas, tulips, or cacti.
Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Even if you're a beginner, these simple landscape planning tips will take the mystery out of designing your yard's ideal layout.
10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

Use native plants in your garden instead of popular invasive landscape plants: See a list of common invasive plants, plus native alternatives to plant instead.
Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Use our lawn-care schedule to help you maintain a beautiful yard all year long. You'll learn exactly when to mow, aerate, fertilize, and overseed.