How to Grow and Care for Calathea Concinna

The Calathea concinna, sold as ‘Freddie’, is a tropical plant with pale, silvery-green leaves marked by bold, dark green stripes that create a graphic appearance. Native to Brazil, it belongs to the Marantaceae family. A key feature is its daily leaf motion, known as nyctinasty, which earns it the nickname “prayer plant.” Its leaves lie flat during the day and fold upward in the evening, adding a dynamic presence to the home. Indoors, it forms a dense clump reaching a height of about 20 inches.

Calathea Concinna Care

Light

This plant thrives in medium to bright, indirect sunlight, which maintains its vibrant leaf pattern. Avoid direct sun, as it can scorch the leaves and cause brown spots. An east-facing window is a good location, or a spot several feet from a south or west-facing window where the light is filtered.

Water

Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. A good method is to check the top one to two inches of soil; if it feels dry, water the plant thoroughly. Using distilled, reverse osmosis, or collected rainwater is recommended. Calatheas are sensitive to minerals in tap water, which can cause browning leaf tips.

Soil

A well-draining, rich potting mix is best for Calathea concinna. You can amend standard houseplant soil to improve its structure. A combination of peat moss or coco coir with perlite or orchid bark creates a mix that retains moisture while allowing excess water to drain, protecting the fine root system.

Temperature & Humidity

As a tropical native, Calathea concinna flourishes in warm, humid conditions. It prefers temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and must be protected from cold drafts or sudden temperature changes. To prevent leaf edges from crisping, maintain humidity levels between 60% and 70%. You can increase ambient moisture by placing the plant on a pebble tray with water or using a humidifier.

Fertilizer

During the spring and summer growing season, the plant benefits from regular feeding. Apply a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength every two to four weeks. Reduce feeding in the fall and winter when growth slows. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can damage the roots.

Common Problems and Solutions

Browning or crisping on the leaf tips is a common issue, often caused by low humidity or minerals in tap water. Consistently dry soil can also cause these symptoms. Refer to the water and humidity care instructions to resolve this.

Yellowing leaves, especially on the lower parts of the plant, can indicate overwatering. When soil is consistently soggy, roots cannot get oxygen, which leads to decay and an inability to support the foliage. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings and ensure the pot has proper drainage holes.

Spider mites can affect Calathea concinna, especially in dry conditions. These pests create fine webbing on the undersides of leaves and cause discoloration. Wiping the leaves with a damp cloth can remove them, and higher humidity helps deter their presence.

How to Propagate Calathea Concinna

Propagating a Calathea concinna is done by dividing its rhizomes (root structure) when repotting. The best time is spring or early summer during the plant’s active growth phase, which helps both the parent and new divisions recover quickly.

• Carefully remove the plant from its pot and shake off excess soil to expose the root ball.
• Identify natural clumps in the rhizomes that have their own healthy roots and a few leaves.
• Using your hands or a clean knife, separate these sections from the main plant.
• Pot each division into its own container with fresh potting mix and water it well.

Place the new plants in a warm, humid location with indirect light. The divisions may experience a brief period of shock but should establish themselves within a few weeks.

Is Calathea Concinna Toxic

The Calathea concinna ‘Freddie’ is a safe choice for households with pets or small children. It is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, making it a worry-free addition to the home.