How to Care for Your Catalea (Calathea) Plant

The Calathea genus is a collection of popular houseplants prized for their remarkable foliage. These plants are native to tropical rainforest floors, a background that dictates their specific care needs. Many are called “prayer plants” because of nyctinastic movement, where the leaves rise and fold inward at night and lower during the day. This daily motion, coupled with their intricate leaf patterns, makes them a dynamic addition to any indoor garden. They have a reputation for being particular, requiring specific conditions to flourish.

Popular Calathea Varieties

One of the most recognizable varieties is the Calathea lancifolia, commonly known as the Rattlesnake Plant. It is distinguished by its long, lance-shaped leaves with wavy edges. The light green leaf surface is adorned with alternating dark green ovals and a deep burgundy or purple underside.

The Calathea orbifolia stands out for its large, round leaves that can bring a graphic element to a room. Its silvery-green leaves are marked with prominent, dark green stripes that follow the curve of the leaf. This variety offers a more subdued but elegant pattern, making it a favorite for modern interior designs.

Another popular variety is the Calathea zebrina, or Zebra Plant. This plant features elongated, velvety leaves with broad, vivid green stripes that resemble a zebra’s pattern. The pattern sits atop a deep green base, and the undersides of the leaves are often a rich purple.

The Calathea makoyana is frequently called the Peacock Plant because its foliage mimics the “eyes” of a peacock’s tail feather. The thin, oval leaves are pale green with a dark green feathered pattern extending from the veins. New leaves appear as tightly rolled, pinkish-red tubes before they open.

Finally, the Calathea roseopicta species includes several cultivars, such as ‘Medallion’ and ‘Dottie’. The ‘Medallion’ variety has large, oval leaves with a deep green border and a feathered, multi-toned green center. ‘Dottie’ features deep purple, almost black leaves with a hot pink border and central vein.

Essential Calathea Care Guide

Light

Calatheas thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking the dappled sunlight of their native habitat. An ideal location is near an east-facing window or a few feet from a south or west-facing window where the light is filtered. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it will scorch the leaves and cause faded patterns. Insufficient light can also cause the leaf markings to fade and weaken the plant’s growth.

Water

Consistent moisture is important for Calatheas, but the soil should never become waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It is best to use filtered, distilled, or collected rainwater to keep the foliage healthy. When watering, allow the excess to drain completely from the pot to prevent root rot.

Soil

The right soil mixture provides a balance between moisture retention and drainage. A suitable potting medium for Calatheas should be lightweight and rich in organic matter. A common mix combines peat moss, perlite, and pine bark. The peat moss helps retain moisture, while the perlite ensures proper aeration and drainage.

Temperature and Humidity

Calatheas require warm and humid conditions, with temperatures between 18°C and 27°C (65°F to 80°F). They should be protected from drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. You can increase the moisture in the air by using a humidifier, placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, or grouping several plants together. A bathroom with adequate light can provide a suitable microclimate.

Fertilizer

During the spring and summer growing season, Calatheas benefit from regular feeding. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every four to six weeks. Over-fertilizing can be harmful, leading to root burn and damaging the foliage. In autumn and winter, when growth slows, fertilization should be reduced or stopped.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Crispy, brown leaf edges are a frequent issue, resulting from low humidity or a reaction to the minerals in tap water. To resolve this, increase humidity around the plant using a humidifier or a pebble tray. You should also switch to watering with filtered or distilled water.

Yellowing leaves, particularly lower ones, often signal an issue with overwatering. When the soil remains soggy, it deprives the roots of oxygen and can lead to root rot. If you suspect overwatering, allow the top couple of inches of soil to dry out before watering again and ensure the pot has adequate drainage.

When the leaves of your Calathea curl inwards, the plant is trying to conserve moisture. This curling is a response to either underwatering or low humidity. Check the soil’s moisture level; if it’s dry, a thorough watering should cause the leaves to uncurl. If the soil is moist but the leaves are still curling, the air is too dry.

Calatheas can be susceptible to pests, especially spider mites, which thrive in dry conditions. These pests are hard to see but create fine webbing on the undersides of leaves and cause stippling or discoloration. Regularly inspect the leaves for any signs of pests and wipe them down with a damp cloth.

Propagating Calatheas

The most reliable method for propagating Calatheas is through division, best performed during spring or summer when you are repotting the plant. This approach ensures each new plant has a developed root system, increasing its chances of survival.

To begin, carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently shake off the excess soil to expose the root ball. Examine the base of the plant to identify natural clumps or sections that have their own distinct stems and root structures. These are the points where the plant can be separated.

Using your hands or a clean, sharp knife, tease the sections apart, ensuring each new division has a healthy portion of roots and a few leaves attached. Pot each new division into its own container with fresh, appropriate potting soil.

After potting the divisions, keep them in a warm, highly humid environment and out of direct light. Maintaining high humidity is important at this stage to help the new plants establish themselves. Avoid fertilizing until you see clear signs of new growth.