How to Grow and Care for Marxii Calathea

The Calathea marxii, often called the Pinstripe Calathea, is a houseplant prized for its decorative foliage. Its large, dark green leaves feature a delicate pattern of fine, pinstripe-like lines that can be white or pinkish. As a member of the Marantaceae family, it is also known as a “prayer plant.” This name comes from its leaves’ behavior of folding upwards at night, resembling praying hands, and lowering again in the morning.

Calathea Marxii Care

Light

Bright, indirect light is required to maintain the vibrant variegation of the Calathea marxii’s leaves. Native to tropical rainforest floors, they are accustomed to dappled sunlight, so an east-facing window that provides gentle morning sun is an ideal location. Direct, harsh sunlight must be avoided as it can scorch the leaves, causing brown spots, crispy edges, and fading patterns.

If you only have a spot with intense light, filter it with a sheer curtain. While the plant tolerates lower light, insufficient exposure can lead to slower growth and less pronounced leaf patterns.

Water

Calathea marxii is sensitive to the minerals, chlorine, and fluoride found in tap water, which can cause mineral buildup in the soil. For this reason, using distilled water, filtered water, or collected rainwater is recommended. The soil should remain consistently moist but never waterlogged.

Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, adjusting frequency based on your home’s light, temperature, and humidity. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage to prevent root rot.

Soil

Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix to maintain a proper moisture balance. A standard indoor potting mix formulated for moisture control can also be suitable. Amending the soil with perlite or orchid bark can further improve drainage and prevent compaction. The soil should hold enough water to stay moist while allowing any excess to drain freely, preventing the roots from becoming soggy.

Temperature and Humidity

Calathea marxii thrives in the warm and humid conditions of its native habitat. Maintain a temperature range between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C) and protect the plant from sudden temperature fluctuations or cold drafts. A humidity level of at least 60% is required for lush foliage.

In dry environments, you can increase humidity by:

• Using a humidifier near the plant.
• Placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
• Grouping it with other plants to create a humid microclimate.
• Misting the leaves daily for a temporary boost.

Fertilizer

During the spring and summer growing season, feed your Calathea marxii once a month. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Do not over-fertilize, as this can lead to a buildup of mineral salts in the soil that can burn the roots.

Suspend fertilizing during the fall and winter when growth slows. Always apply fertilizer to moist soil to avoid root damage.

Repotting Calathea Marxii

Repot your Calathea marxii every one to two years or when it becomes root-bound. Signs it needs a new pot include roots growing from the drainage holes, slowed growth, or soil that dries out too quickly. The best time to repot is in the spring at the start of the growing season.

Select a new pot with drainage holes that is only one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one. A pot that is too large can hold excess water and increase the risk of root rot.

To repot, gently remove the plant from its old container, being careful not to damage the root system. Place a layer of fresh potting mix in the new pot and position the plant at the same depth it was previously growing. Fill the surrounding space with more soil, pat it down gently, and water thoroughly to help the soil settle.

Propagating Calathea Marxii

The best way to propagate Calathea marxii is by division, which should be done in the spring during repotting to minimize stress. This involves separating the plant’s root structure into smaller sections that can each grow into a new plant. First, carefully remove the plant from its pot and shake off excess soil to expose the root ball.

Identify natural clumps in the root system that have their own leaves and roots. Each new division must have a healthy portion of the root system to survive. Gently tease these clumps apart with your fingers. If the roots are too intertwined, use a clean, sharp knife to separate the divisions. Pot each new section into an appropriately sized container with fresh potting mix.

Common Problems with Calathea Marxii

Crispy, brown leaf edges are a frequent issue, often caused by low humidity or minerals in tap water. To fix this, increase humidity around the plant and switch to using filtered, distilled, or rainwater. Over-fertilizing can also cause browning by creating mineral salt buildup in the soil.

Curling leaves are a sign of underwatering, as the plant curls them inward to conserve moisture. A thorough watering should resolve the issue. If watering doesn’t help, check if the plant is receiving too much direct light or heat, as this can also cause leaves to curl.

Spider mites are a common pest, especially in dry conditions. Look for fine webbing on the undersides of leaves and stippled or discolored foliage. To treat an infestation, increase humidity and apply a horticultural soap or neem oil spray.