How to Grow and Care for Calathea Fasciata

Plant care

While Calathea Fasciata may be a challenging plant for a novice to keep, once you get to know it, it will reward you with the occasional extravagant display. The trick to success is replicating its natural tropical setting — lots of humidity, heat and meticulous watering techniques.

Light

Calathea Fasciata's health is greatly affected by light. It loves bright, indirect light, similar to dappled sunlight coming through the roof of a rainforest. To meet its ideal lighting conditions, put the plant near an east- or north-facing window, which will provide it with soft morning light. If you live in a place with south- or west-facing windows, make sure to have sheer curtains to diffuse the harsher sun. It is a low-light tolerant plant, but its growth will slow and its colors will fade.

You absolutely need to avoid direct sunlight, as it will burn the leaves, creating brown, crispy edges. But too little light will leave you with a leggy plant with leaves that are dull in color. If natural light is not enough, supplement with a grow light for 8-10 hours a day.

Soil

The soil for Calathea Fasciata should be light, well-draining, and capable of retaining moisture without getting soggy. Too dense or compact soil mixes can smother the root systems and cause root rot. When planting your Calathea Fasciata, a mixture of the following would be suitable for good soil drainage: 

• 50% peat moss (to retain moisture and aerate soil) 
• 30% perlite (good drainage, over watering prevention) 
• 20% orchid bark or coir (structure and rainforest mimic). 

Avoid heavy garden soil, which tends to retain excess moisture, and sand-heavy mixes, which drain too much and are low in nutrients.

Watering

In terms of watering the Calathea Fasciata, it needs a little finesse. The plant enjoys moist soil, but overwatering can cause fungal diseases and root rot. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch, usually every 5-7 days. Use filtered, distilled, or even rainwater to prevent tap water from building up minerals.

Water slowly, allowing it to drain from the bottom, never allowing the plant to sit in water. Don’t underwater, as this can lead to crispy leaf edges and curling leaves. It’s not possible to give your plants too much love, but overwatering can ruin them, too, and make leaves yellow and stems mushy. If using tap water, let it sit out overnight to allow chlorine and fluoride to evaporate, preventing leaf spotting.

Humidity & Temperature

Calathea Fasciata prefers high humidity and warmth. Brown leaf tips and edges also develop if the air is too dry. Optimal humidity levels are considered to be between 60-80%, and the optimal temperature 65-80°F (18-27°C).

To boost humidity, use a humidifier, stand the plant on a pebble tray filled with water or group plants to form a microclimate. It’s good to avoid putting the plant near air conditioners or heaters for drafty windows that will dry out the air too much.

Pruning

Calathea Fasciata does not need heavy pruning but occasional trimming can help keep its fresh and vibrant appearance. Snip off any yellowing or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth. Make a clean cut with sterilized, sharp scissors at the base of leaf stem. Dust that settles on leaves can block out sun; you can also wipe your plants’ leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust so they can better photosynthesize.

Common Issues

• Dry air is often the culprit behind brown leaf edges. A solution for this is to increase the humidity around the plant. 
• Yellow leaves are typically a sign of too much water, so allow the soil to dry out a bit before giving it another drink. 
• Curling leaves can occur if the plant is under too much light, or isn't getting enough water, so you can lower light levels with fewer hours of light, while estimating how dry the ingredients are on the dry side of the soil. 
• If your plant’s leaves look droopy, it’s too cold or too dry, so warm it and mist it more regularly.
• If spider mites, mealybugs or aphids are the culprits, leaf wiping with insecticidal soap is very effective.