Calathea Care Guide: Everything You Need To Know
The Calathea
Part of the prayer plant family, the stunning Calathea is arguably one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful creations. With seemingly painted on leaves with brushstrokes of deep green and fuschia tones, prayer plants as they’re often called are known not just for their variegated beauty but also for their movement: their leaves rise and fall throughout the day in response to the light they receive. But though this plant is an increasingly popular choice, it remains a relatively high-maintenance houseplant and requires a bit of extra TLC to keep those leaves perky and shining. Read on to find a comprehensive guide to Calathea care over time.
What type of light do Calatheas need?
In their natural habitat, Calatheas grow in shady tropical areas. A such, they prefer medium to bright indirect light and will scorch in direct sunlight.
How to water your Calathea
Keep the soil evenly moist, never allowing it to completely dry out but also taking care not let the plant become oversaturated or waterlogged. Read our Ultimate Guide to watering the Calathea for tips and tricks.
How fast do Calatheas grow?
In prime conditions, this plant grows relatively fast and can reach up to two feet in height. Fertilize your plant 1-2 times per month in the spring and summer with indoor plant food, or foliar feed year round.
Common problems with Calathea Plants
How to maintain a beautiful and healthy Calathea
Take care of your Calathea and it will take care of you! Below are simple tips to continue caring for and growing your plant over time.
Pruning Your Calathea
To keep your plant healthy and strong, you may trim older or unhappy looking leaves. If there is just a small portion of a leaf that was damaged (due to underwatering, overwatering, etc), you can trim the leaf following the natural shape of the leaf.
Cleaning Your Plant
Take each leaf between two soft tissue cloths and wipe off the top to reveal a healthy shine (also helps the plant soak in more light!).
How to repot the Calathea
It is a good idea to repot your calathea once every year or every other year to give it fresh soil and nutrients.
When to repot - Once a year or every other year.
Pot sizing - if you want your plant to grow wider, find a nursery pot that’s 2” in diameter larger than the current pot. If you want your plant to stay the same size, you can reuse the same pot and simply change the soil.
Get your hands dirty - spread out newspaper on the floor, remove the plant from the pot and shake off as much of the old soil as possible so that you have clean roots. Place the plant in the center of the pot, add new soil and pat down firmly. Water the soil thoroughly and place the plant in an area with bright indirect light. Your plant will take 2-4 weeks to settle from the shock and adjust to its new home.
How to propagate a Calathea
The best way to propagate your plant is through division.
Divide the roots - When repotting, determine which areas you will divide to create new plants. Carefully untangle the roots with your hands.
Place in fresh soil - Place the new divisions in fresh soil and water thoroughly. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy-- it may take 2-4 weeks for your plant to settle from the shock and adjust to its new home
Illustrations by our talented plant stylist, Kailie Barnes.
Calathea Medallion
A stunning prayer plant with a deep color palette of leaves painted by nature.