Calathea Care Guide: How to Grow Stunning Foliage Indoors

Plants are an excellent way to increase the beauty and ambiance of any place. Each plant has its own qualities; some improve the aesthetic appeal, while others offer ornamental properties. However, very few plants possess both of these characteristics; one such plant is the Calathea plant.

Calathea are popular houseplants known for their beautiful leaves. Their paddle-shaped foliage is strikingly patterned and colored. These easy-to-grow plants are great for creating an urban jungle atmosphere.

Growcycle offers the right lawn fertilizers for lush green lawns and plants, including Calathea. These fertilizers can improve plant growth by providing essential nutrients. The article below explores vital information about the Calathea plant, including its characteristics and care routine.

Botany of Calathea Plant

Calathea is a family of flowering plants belonging to the Marantaceae family. They are often called Calatheas or prayer plants. Their beautiful leaves bring a splash of color to the home. Here are some of their botanical features.

1. Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Order: Zingiberales
• Family: Marantaceae
• Genus: Calathea
• Botanical Name: Calathea
• Common Name: Calathea or Prayer plant

2. Physical Characteristics

• Leaves: Calathea leaves are usually big and full of color. They often have bright patterns in shades like pink, orange, red, and white. The backs of the leaves are often purple. They close at night, and in the morning, they open up back to soak in the sun.
• Flowers: Calathea flowers come in yellow, purple, and white and grow in the summer. They have an uneven shape with three petals and three separate sepals. The bracts of Calathea often steal the show, looking even nicer than the flowers themselves.
• Stem: Calathea plants have tall, skinny stems holding their big, colorful leaves.

3. Origin and Habitat

• Calathea plants are from tropical Latin America and were introduced to Hawaii.
• They’re also grown outside in places like southern Florida.

4. Reproduction

• Calathea plants reproduce new plants by dividing them.
• To propagate a Calathea successfully, start with a healthy mother plant. Carefully remove the mother plant from its pot and gently separate it into smaller pieces.

Types of Calathea Plant

Here is a comparison of different types of Calathea plants:

Benefits of Having Calathea Plant in the Garden

Here are some common benefits of having the Calathea plant in the garden:

• Visual appeal: The Calathea plant stands out due to its remarkable beauty. Its silver-green patterns can add elegance to any room and complement modern decor.
• Decorative pairing: This plant acts like living art, turning any space into a tropical retreat. Gardeners can highlight its beauty by pairing it with two-tone planters or metallic accents. 
• Air purification: This plant can clean the air and refresh the mood. It also helps to remove toxins from the indoor environment.
• Adaptable indoor buddy: The Calathea grows well in the home. It adjusts easily to indoor conditions, making it a great choice for busy people.
• Low maintenance: The plant's single-stemmed leaves make it easy to care for. Wiping the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks removes dust and keeps them shiny, requiring minimal effort.
• Calming experience: Caring for Calatheas can be a soothing experience. Watering and misting them relax people and allow them to take a break from screens.
• Natural humidity booster: This plant releases moisture into the air through transpiration, which helps in dry indoor spaces.
• Promotes restful sleep: The way the Calathea leaves open and close can create a soothing atmosphere, which can help to improve sleep.

How to Grow and Propagate Calathea Plant?

Calathea plants are easy to grow and propagate. Here are some useful methods for propagating these plants:

1. Division Propagation

Dividing a Calathea plant works best when it is mature and has several stems. Gardeners need to separate the plant into smaller sections, making sure each one has some roots. This method keeps the plant looking good and avoids overcrowding in the pot.

The best time to divide the plant is early spring. This gives it a whole growing season to settle into its new home. Here are some steps to do it:

1. Carefully take the plant out of its pot to see the root ball.
2. Pull apart the roots and divide the plant using a sharp, clean tool.
3. Plant each section in some fresh potting soil and give it a good drink of water.

2. Stem Cutting Propagation

Stem cuttings are also a great way to propagate the Calathea plant. This method involves snipping off a healthy stem and getting it to root in either soil or water. Rooting can take a while, but the results are worth it. Here is how to do it:

1. First, pick a healthy stem from the Calathea plant. Grab sharp, sterilized pruners and cut just below where the leaf meets the stem.
2. Try to cut a piece about 4-6 inches long with at least two sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves to help prevent moisture loss and rotting.
3. Dip the cut end into some rooting hormone powder or gel and shake off any excess to avoid using too much. Make sure the hormone only covers the part of the stem below the soil. 
4. Next, fill a pot with a good, well-draining potting mix. Using a finger or a pencil, make a little hole and insert the cutting, ensuring the node is buried. Firm up the soil around the stem to keep it steady. Give it a little water to help settle the soil around the cutting.
5. Place the pot in a warm, bright spot away from direct sunlight. Keeping the humidity high around the cutting is also a good idea.

Post Propagation Care

Here are some steps that a gardener should follow immediately after planting the Calathea plant:

• Transfer it to a New Spot: The Calathea plant needs to acclimate. Start by putting it where the temperature is steady, similar to what it used to be. Try to avoid any sudden changes.
• Light and Humidity: Calathea loves indirect light. To maintain humidity, imagine a tropical rainforest, not a desert. Gardeners can occasionally use a humidifier or mist it, but don’t go overboard.
• Watering and Feeding: Water it moderately. The soil should feel moist but not soggy. Too much water is like overdoing it with food; it can hurt the plant. Wait until the top inch of soil dries out before giving it another drink. When it comes to fertilizer, don’t use heavy fertilizer because young plants can be sensitive to strong stuff.
• Airflow: Ensure good airflow around the plant. However, be careful of strong drafts; think of a light breeze instead of a full-blown storm.
• Monitoring: Watch for any signs of the plant being unwell. Droopy leaves or weird colors can indicate this. Fixing issues early is key since small problems can quickly escalate, like minor headaches turning into major migraines.

Pro Tips for Calathea Plant Care

Here are some pro tips to keep the Calathea healthy and thriving:

1. Light

Calatheas love filtered light or shade, which is similar to their natural vibe. They hang out under tree canopies on the jungle floor, where the sunlight is nice and dappled. However, keep the Calathea away from direct sunlight, as too much light can scorch the leaves and make those bright patterns fade away.

The best spot is usually near an east, south, or west-facing window where the sun is indirect. Don’t forget to rotate the plant so all sides get a fair share of light.

2. Soil

For growing Calathea, it is best to use healthy garden soil, including loamy soil packed with humus and some organic stuff mixed in, like compost. If keeping it in a pot, choose a potting mix with peat moss because it’s light and helps with airflow.

Ensure the soil is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0 pH, so the plant stays healthy and happy.

3. Water

It is important to use soil that stays consistently moist but not soaked. Depending on the climate, gardeners may need to water the plant every few days. This plant does not tolerate certain minerals and chemicals often found in tap water.

Using tap water can turn the leaves yellow. To avoid this, use rainwater or filtered water instead. If tap water is essential, let it sit overnight. This will help remove chlorine and fluoride, which can harm the plant.

4. Temperature and Humidity

Calathea plants don’t like temperatures below 60°F. They thrive in warm spots, ideally between 70°F and 85°F, which helps them grow and look their best.  

When it comes to humidity, these plants love it when the levels are at 50% or more. Gardeners should set up a humidifier nearby to give them that moisture boost. Another option is to place the Calathea on a pebble tray filled with water, but make sure the bottom of the pot isn’t touching the water to avoid root rot.  

These plants love humid spaces, so they are perfect for bathrooms or terrariums with more natural moisture. Remember, if using a terrarium, make sure it’s big enough to give those wide leaves room to grow.

5. Fertilizer

To make Calathea green and beautiful, give it a monthly dose of liquid-balanced fertilizer at half the strength during spring, summer, and fall. Follow the instructions on the label for the best results. In winter, skip the fertilizer, as the plant slows down and doesn’t need as much.

6. Pruning

Calathea plants aren’t picky when it comes to pruning. A gardener only needs to snip off any brown, droopy leaves as they die off. Keeping the plant looking neat and nice is important since those leaves will eventually fall off on their own anyway.

7. Potting and Repotting

When planting Calathea, choose an 8- or 10-inch pot with large drainage holes, preferably an unglazed clay pot, as this helps excess moisture evaporate. As the roots start filling up the container, plan to repot the plant every few years into a pot that’s 1 to 2 inches bigger than the one it’s in.

The best time to repot is in the spring or early summer while the plant grows. Follow the same steps as when dividing a Calathea, including giving it a good watering a day or two before repotting.

8. Overwintering

If the nighttime temperatures are consistently above 60°F during the summer and the area is humid, it's fine to put the Calathea houseplant outside for the season. Let it soak up some fresh air and sunshine.

Keep an eye on the weather, and bring it back inside when fall and winter roll in as temperatures will start dropping. Also, remember to check the leaves and the pot for any pesky bugs to keep the plant happy and healthy.

Top liquid fertilizers to boost plant health: A gardener's guide

Liquid fertilizers have become an essential tool in modern gardening. They offer a fast and effective method for delivering vital nutrients to plants. In contrast to granular fertilizers, which release nutrients gradually, liquid fertilizers offer instant nutrient availability.

LEARN MORE →

Common Problems and Solutions with Calathea Plants

Here are some problems that a gardener might face while dealing with the Calathea plant:

1. Brown Tips

• Cause: Underwatering, dry air
• Solution: Water the plant regularly and keep the air moist

2. Yellow Leaves

• Cause: Sensitivity to some minerals present in tap water
• Solution: Use distilled or filtered water and rainwater with low chlorine and fluoride.

3. Root Rotting

• Cause: Overwatering, soggy growth
• Solution: Don’t overwater the plant and cut the soggy growth

4. Wilting

• Cause: Excessive sunlight, dry area
• Solution: Place the plant in indirect sunlight to avoid excessive sunlight

5. Pest Infestation

• Cause: Attack of whiteflies and other sap-suckers
• Solution: Use insecticidal soap and neem oil

6. Growth Stunting

• Cause: Inadequate humidity, light, and water
• Solution: Ensure proper light, water, and other conditions

FAQs

Is Calathea a good indoor plant?

Yes, Calathea is a great indoor plant because of its stunning leaves. It does well in low to medium light and helps clean the air. It also adds a nice tropical vibe and loves humid places, making it perfect for home settings.

Why is Calathea called a prayer plant?

Calathea is known as a prayer plant because its leaves fold up at night, looking like hands in prayer. This cool nighttime motion is triggered by changes in light, which makes the plant even more interesting.

What does a Calathea plant symbolize?

The Calathea plant symbolizes fresh beginnings, thankfulness, and resilience with its cool leaf movements and vibrant patterns. It’s a favorite for adding positive energy and elegance to any indoor setting.

The Bottom Line

The Calathea plant is a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to any space. Its vibrant leaves and occasional flowers not only look stunning but also help improve air quality. To stay healthy, Calathea needs bright, indirect light, good-quality soil, and proper watering. With regular care, it can thrive for many years.

Growcycle provides expert advice on caring for plants like the Calathea. Gardeners and homeowners can follow these tips to grow lush, healthy Calatheas and increase the beauty of their gardens or indoor spaces.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

Sources:

1. Wiki - Calathea

2. Livelyroot - Calathea plant

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, where he covers the latest news, trends, and innovations in sustainable agriculture. He has a deep passion for storytelling that emphasizes ecological balance and responsible farming practices.

Before joining Growcycle, Victor worked for several agricultural and environmental publications, reporting on significant environmental issues and interviewing key figures in the sustainability sector. His work has been featured in various industry journals and online platforms.