Calathea Plant Care: Varieties and Common Problems

The Calathea genus includes a diverse group of tropical plants native to the rainforests of Africa and South America. Often called “prayer plants,” they are popular for indoor use because their wide, decorative leaves are adapted to absorb light in the shaded understory of their natural habitat.

Popular Calathea Varieties

A wide range of Calathea species and cultivars are available, each with distinctive foliage. One of the most recognizable is the Calathea orbifolia, celebrated for its large, round leaves marked with symmetrical, silvery-green stripes. This variety can grow to be one of the larger species.

Another well-loved variety is the Calathea lancifolia, known as the rattlesnake plant. It features long, wavy-edged leaves with a light green base, a pattern of dark green ovals, and a rich purple underside.

The Calathea makoyana, or peacock plant, displays intricate, feather-like patterns of light and dark green on its oval-shaped leaves, with a flash of purple on the undersides. Similarly, the Calathea ornata, or pinstripe calathea, has dark green leaves with fine, pinkish-white stripes that run in parallel lines.

For those who appreciate deep colors, the Calathea roseopicta ‘Dottie’ features dark, almost black, green leaves with a vivid pink border and central vein markings. The Calathea zebrina, or zebra plant, has velvety, light green leaves with wide, dark green stripes that run from the center to the edge.

Essential Calathea Care Guide

Light

Calatheas thrive in medium to bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight is too harsh and will scorch the leaves, causing them to lose their color and develop brown spots. An ideal placement is near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a brighter south or west-facing window.

Water

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. A general guideline is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry. These plants are sensitive to minerals and chemicals in tap water, so using distilled, rainwater, or filtered water is highly recommended to prevent leaf damage.

Soil

Calatheas prefer a well-aerating potting medium that holds moisture without becoming compacted. A peat-based mix amended with perlite or orchid bark improves aeration and supports a healthy root system. This substrate helps replicate the rich, loamy soil of their native environment.

Humidity

High humidity is a requirement for Calatheas. In a typical home, especially one with dry air from heating or air conditioning, humidity levels are often too low. To increase humidity around your plant:

• Use an electric humidifier nearby.
• Group plants together to create a humid microclimate.
• Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
• Mist the leaves regularly for a temporary boost.

Temperature

Calatheas prefer warm and stable temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Sudden temperature fluctuations and cold drafts can cause stress to the plant, manifesting as curled or drooping leaves. Keep them away from drafty windows, doors, and air conditioning or heating vents.

Fertilizer

During the spring and summer growing season, Calatheas benefit from regular feeding. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, every four weeks. Do not over-fertilize, as this can burn the plant’s sensitive roots. During fall and winter, when growth slows, fertilization should be reduced or stopped.

Repotting and Propagating Calathea

Repotting is necessary when a Calathea becomes root-bound. Signs include roots growing out of the drainage holes, slowed growth, or the soil drying out much faster than usual. It is best to repot in the spring or summer, choosing a new pot only one or two inches larger in diameter to avoid excess soil that can lead to root rot.

The most effective method for propagating Calatheas is by division, which is best performed during repotting to minimize stress. Once the plant is removed from its pot, carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections. Ensure each new section has a healthy portion of roots and at least a few leaves.

Pot each new division into its own container with a fresh, appropriate potting mix. Water the new plants thoroughly and place them in a humid, indirectly lit environment to help them recover. Covering the new plants with a plastic bag for a few weeks can create a humid microclimate that encourages new growth.

Solving Common Calathea Problems

One of the most frequent issues is crispy, brown leaf edges. This is a sign of low humidity or a reaction to minerals in tap water. To address this, increase ambient humidity using a humidifier or pebble tray and switch to distilled, filtered, or rainwater.

Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering. Calathea soil should be moist, but if it becomes saturated, the roots cannot access oxygen, leading to root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering and ensure the pot has adequate drainage. If the problem persists, check the roots for rot and repot in fresh soil.

Spider mites are a common pest and can be identified by fine webbing on the undersides of leaves. These pests thrive in dry conditions, so increasing humidity can help. Treat the plant by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or spraying it with an insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.

Limp or drooping leaves can signal either under or overwatering. Check the soil moisture to determine the cause. If the soil is dry, the plant is thirsty and should recover after watering. If the soil is soggy, the drooping is likely due to root rot.

Calathea Leaf Movement Explained

The name “prayer plant” comes from a behavior known as nyctinasty, the daily movement of the leaves in response to the light cycle. During the day, the leaves are held horizontally to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. As evening approaches, the leaves move upwards, folding together into a vertical position.

This movement is controlled by a specialized joint at the base of the leaf called a pulvinus, which changes pressure to raise and lower the leaf. While the exact benefit is still studied, this movement may help conserve moisture or allow more rainwater to reach the plant’s roots in its native habitat. This daily motion is one of the most captivating characteristics of the Calathea genus.