Calathea - how to care for this beautiful (and sometimes diva-like) plant
How to Care for Calatheas
Confession: every time I walk into a plant shop, I cannot walk past a Calathea and not pick it up and hold it! They really look like a piece of artwork that belongs on display at an art museum… Some may even say that the pattern on Calathea leaves looks like it’s been painted on, its beauty is almost too good to be true! Native to the tropical regions of the Americas, Calatheas are really known to bring the exotic look of the tropics into any living space and is sure to impress any guest that steps into your home.
Lighting
One of the best things about caring for Calatheas is that most varieties can tolerate low light. However, they really do best in more medium, indirect light. Too much light can burn the fragile leaves. This is because Calathea – and other plants belonging to the Marantaceae family such as the Maranta, Ctenanthe, and Stromanthe genera - naturally grows very low to the ground in the subtropical forest. If you look closely, the bottom of the leaves are usually tinged dark purple – the darker color is attributed to attracting more light in the low tropical forest canopy. (Do keep in mind that some varieties will prefer bright indirect light as opposed to medium to low lighting conditions. You are always welcome to ask us in the shop or contact us through social media if you’re not sure!)
Water
Getting the watering right on a Calathea can be a bit of a challenge. These plants don’t like to dry out between waterings… BUT they also don’t like their roots being soaking wet all the time! They always want to be kept moist. So what’s that mean? The best way to water your Calathea is to experiment with it! The easiest way to experiment is to stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil: if it feels whipped cream, then it should be all good - don’t water it. If it feels like damp laundry out of the washing machine, then water it! One of the best ways to check is to use a moisture meter; it can quantifiably measure the moisture within the soil. When you water a Calathea, be sure that water leaks out the bottom of the drainage holes, and consider using the bottom-watering technique. Also important – do not use tap water when watering Calatheas – especially here in San Diego! The best water to use is distilled water, but filtered or rainwater will work as well. Tap water can contain minerals and cleaning chemicals used by water treatment facilities that can harm houseplants, especially Calathea.
Fertilizing
During the spring and summer, fertilize Calatheas with a balanced all-purpose fertilizer like a 10/10/10 on the NPK ratio (Nitrogen/Phosphorous/Potassium). This can be done on a monthly basis. If you’re in doubt about when to fertilize – don’t. Overfertilizing is a common and hard-to-fix problem with plants. Consider keeping a written log of when you fertilize your plants!
Growth Pattern
Calatheas grow by offshoots in the soil. Unlike vining pothos or philodendrons, they can be propagated by root divisions. Another thing to keep in mind is that Calatheas (and Marantas, Ctenanthes, and Stromanthes) will move throughout the day! They are commonly nicknamed as “prayer plants” because at night, the leaves will fold up as if they are saying a prayer. During the day, the leaves will bow down to maximize the leaves soaking up the light. So, if you notice your calathea moving throughout the day, you’re not going crazy… it’s totally normal for the plant!
Temperature/Humidity
These types of plants will prefer temperatures above 60°F (about 16°C). Although this is considered a bit cool for most peoples’ homes, you will most likely will not have a problem with the temperature requirement for these plants. On top of a tricky watering schedule, Calatheas prefers to be kept in high humidity. If you notice that your Calathea has some brown tips, it is most likely due to a lack of moisture within the air (or the water you use is contaminated with unnecessary minerals like tap water). You can combat this by regularly misting your Calathea or by purchasing a humidifier.
Pet-Safe & other precautions
If you have a fur-baby or a human baby – you’re in luck! Calatheas are not known to be toxic to cats, dogs, or humans.
Fungus gnats are also a common pest to Calatheas. You can prevent this by regularly cleaning the leaves with neem oil. If you find a fungus gnat infestation, you can treat it by sprinkling some diatomaceous earth on top of the soil.
Our Favorites
We have lots of Calatheas available for purchase here at Wild Island Collective! Some of our favorites include:
· Rattlesnake Calathea – Thin narrow green leaves that looks like the tail of a rattlesnake!
· Calathea Medallion – Circular shaped dark green leaves with an outline of a silvery-green band and a light green centerline
· ‘Beauty Star’ Calathea – Dark green leaves with bright green stripes
· Velvet Leaf Calathea – Dark green symmetrical leaves that are soft to the touch!
· Calathea ornata ‘Pinstripe’ – Dark green leaves with pretty pink stripes and lines
Author:
Azielle Limbo, Wild Island Collective