There are many gorgeous low-light plants, but one of the best is Calathea. Many indoor gardeners love them for their huge leaves, which have bright green or pink patterns on the top and are green or burgundy from below. It is also known as a “Living Plant” because of its leaves that move to the light and close up in the night.
I would not suggest this plant for beginners or busy bees since it demands a little additional attention to maintain its health and well-being. When fully grown, calathea’s may reach heights of 36 inches or more. High humidity, low light, and moderate soil wetness are all ideal conditions for this plant.
About the Calathea Plant
Calathea thrives in settings with high humidity, moderate temperatures, and indirect sunshine, such as lobbies, conference rooms, and cubicles. Calathea thrives in atriums, which are ideal for this plant.
A little additional care and attention are required for the Calathea’s distinctive leaves. Here’s a comprehensive guide on caring for your Calathea, from how much sunshine it needs to the most frequent issues and treatments.
Necessities:
What’s the Best Light Environment for your Calathea
The first step in caring for your Calathea is to set it in a location that receives medium to strong indirect light. However, it can withstand modest levels of indirect sunlight.
Common Calathea problem: Fading leave colours
In most cases, fading leaf colors are caused by too much direct sunlight, which may cause the leaves of your Calathea plant to burn off.
It’s best if you keep your plant away from direct sunshine, such as in a bathroom or kitchen, where the light is just enough to keep it alive.
How To Water Your Calathea Properly
Maintaining a regular watering routine will help maintain your Calathea’s soil at a healthy level. Avoid saturating the soil with water, though. The plant is not a drought-resistant indoor plant, so be aware of this before you buy it. Even if you skip a few days of watering, it may grow, but it will eventually die if you fail to water it adequately regularly.
Common Calathea problem: Curling leaves
Dry soil is the most common cause for the curling of Calathea leaves. If you see your Calathea’s leaves droop, grow limp, and even begin to brown and curl, you know it’s time to water your plant. Again, this is not a drought-resistant indoor plant.
Consistent irrigation is the best solution. When the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry, water your Calathea.
Common Calathea problem: Leaves dark at margins
If your Calathea’s leaves are becoming dark at the margins, it implies that the water quality is detrimental to the plant’s health.
Because of the high concentration of salts, chlorine, minerals, and fluoride in tap water, it is not recommended for use with plants. Leave the water in an open container overnight to remove any impurities that may have accumulated over time.
Does Your Calathea Like Humidity and Misting?
Your Calathea is a tropical plant that craves a lot of humidity. Place your Calathea in a very humid environment next to our list of Calathea maintenance instructions. Your bathroom or kitchen, for example.
Common Calathea problem: Brown and curly leaves
If the leaves of your Calathea begin to turn brown or curl, this indicates that the atmosphere is too dry and has to be corrected.
Consistently mist it with warm water to keep it clean. Using a pebble tray or misting the plant daily is recommended. Keep your Calathea happy and healthy by avoiding cold breezes and abrupt temperature fluctuations.
Does Your Calathea Need Fertilization?
Calatheas need to be fed with a normal houseplant fertilizer once a month or throughout the growing season, which is spring and summer, to keep them growing strong. The fertilizer should be fully removed in winter.
Common Calathea problem: Lanky or whilting
You may notice that your Calathea is becoming lanky or perhaps wilting. Try to limit the amount of fertilizer you give your plant, particularly in the winter. If your Calathea has a root burn, it might die.
What Is The Right Temperature For Your Calathea?
Your Calathea plant prefers temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is Your Calathea toxic?
For the benefit of both people and animals, Calathea is a safe plant. However, as they’re delectable, keep them away from your pets.
Common Pests of Calathea
Pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites may be found in Calathea. To get rid of these pests, wash your plants with a hose regularly to remove them. A humidifier on high or water sprayed on your plant may also help increase the humidity.
Dusty Calathea Leaves
This plant’s leaves might get dusty over time, so keep them clean by wiping them off with a moist cloth. Avoid using any leaf-glossing products on your plant, as well.
Calathea propagation
To spread Calathea, it must be divided. A plant’s root system grows, and new shoots spring up through the earth as a result. Gently split the roots of a mature plant while repotting to create multiple tiny plants. New plants may be grown in separate containers. Those young plants will fill in with time and good care.
A Calathea is not a Prayer Plant
Some people confuse some Calathea with Maranta (like Prayer Plants). The leaves distinguish Calathea from a Maranta. When the leaves of prayer plants fold up at the stem’s base, it seems like someone is saying a prayer.
If your Calathea’s leaves curl inwards toward the center vein, you should inspect the environment since this indicates that the environment where your Calathea Medallion was planted has a problem.
Takeaway
Taking care of a Calathea isn’t simple, but the benefits of caring for this beautiful plant far outweigh the difficulties. It’s not uncommon for Calathea to be fickle when it comes to her care. Calathea care issues stem from over or under-watering and a lack of proper humidity or temperature
If you pay attention to watering, humidity, and temperature levels, you may have attractive, green plants that will liven up your workplace and interior areas.
