Calathea Indoor Plants Grow Guide: Care, Types, Watering, Soil, identity, light, season, Bugs, Fertilizer, common issue, humidity & More
Are you looking to add a touch of tropical beauty to your home? Look no further than Calatheas. It is one of the Top Trending Indoor Plants. These stunning houseplants are known for their vibrant foliage and unique leaf patterns. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about caring for Calatheas, from the different types available to proper watering techniques and dealing with common issues.
With over 300 species, each with its own distinctive traits, there’s a Calathea to suit every personality and home decor. From the bold stripes of Calathea zebrina to the delicate beauty of Calathea ornata, these plants will captivate you with their stunning leaves.
To ensure your Calatheas thrive, it’s important to provide them with the right growing conditions. These plants prefer indirect light and warm temperatures. While they can tolerate low light, placing them near a bright, filtered window will bring out their vibrant colors.
When it comes to watering, Calatheas like to be kept consistently moist but not overly wet. Use filtered water, or rainwater, or let tap water sit overnight to remove any chlorine or fluoride before watering. It’s essential to avoid waterlogging the soil as this can lead to root rot.
Calatheas also appreciate slightly acidic soil and benefit from monthly fertilization during the growing season. A balanced liquid fertilizer applied at half strength will provide the nutrients they need to thrive.
While Calatheas can be a bit fussy to care for, their stunning foliage and unique leaf movements are well worth the effort. By following the tips and techniques in this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy these tropical beauties in your own home.
Understanding the Different Types of Calathea
When it comes to calatheas, the variety is truly astounding. These captivating houseplants come in a wide range of types, each with its own unique characteristics and patterns. Let’s take a closer look at some popular calathea varieties:
1. Calathea Zebrina
Calathea zebrina is known for its distinctive stripy green markings on the top of its leaves and vibrant purple undersides. Its bold and eye-catching foliage adds a touch of tropical flair to any space.
2. Calathea Makoyana
The peacock plant, or Calathea makoyana, showcases light purple undersides on its leaves, while the tops feature a combination of green and white markings. Its elegant and graceful appearance is sure to captivate plant enthusiasts.
3. Calathea Ornata
Also known as the pinstripe plant, Calathea ornata boasts deep green leaves adorned with delicate pink stripes. This visually stunning combination brings a touch of elegance and sophistication to any indoor landscape.
4. Calathea Crocata
If you’re a fan of vibrant colors, then Calathea crocata will surely catch your eye. This variety produces striking bright lobster-colored flowers, making it a true showstopper among calathea plants.
These are just a few examples of the many calathea varieties available, each with its own unique charm and personality. Whether you prefer subtle elegance or bold statement plants, there’s a calathea type that will suit your taste and style.
| Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Calathea zebrina | Stripy green markings on top of leaves, bright purple undersides |
| Calathea makoyana | Light purple undersides, green and white tops |
| Calathea ornata | Deep green leaves with pink stripes |
| Calathea crocata | Striking bright lobster-colored flowers |
Proper Care and Watering for Calathea Plants
When it comes to caring for your Calathea plants, there are a few essential factors to keep in mind. By understanding their light requirements, water needs, soil preferences, and the importance of humidity, you can ensure that your Calatheas thrive and display their vibrant foliage to the fullest.
Light Requirements
Calatheas prefer indirect light and partial shade, mimicking their natural habitat under the jungle canopy. Direct sunlight can harm their leaves and fade their beautiful patterns. To provide the ideal lighting conditions, place your Calathea plants near a window with bright, filtered light, but avoid exposing them to harsh rays.
Watering and Soil
Proper watering is crucial for the health of Calathea plants. They require consistently moist soil to thrive, but overwatering can lead to root rot. To strike the right balance, water your Calatheas regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. It’s best to use filtered water, or rainwater, or let tap water sit overnight to allow chlorine and fluoride to evaporate before watering your plants.
When it comes to the soil, Calatheas prefer a slightly acidic and well-draining mixture. A blend of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil is an excellent choice. This combination allows for good moisture retention without becoming waterlogged.
Humidity
Creating a humid environment is essential for the optimal growth of Calathea plants. They are native to tropical regions and flourish in high humidity. There are a few ways to increase humidity for your plants. Using a humidifier in the room can create a consistent level of moisture. Placing your Calatheas on a tray filled with water and pebbles will allow for natural evaporation, providing a local humidity boost. Additionally, enclosing your plants in a terrarium can help create a humid microclimate.
Fertilizing
To keep your Calatheas healthy and vibrant, regular fertilizing is necessary. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season, from spring to fall. However, during winter, when their growth slows down, it’s best to withhold fertilization. Following this fertilization schedule will provide your Calatheas with the necessary nutrients to thrive.
| Light Requirements | Watering | Soil | Humidity | Fertilizing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indirect light and partial shade | Regular watering, keeping soil consistently moist | Slightly acidic, well-draining soil | High humidity through a humidifier, tray with water and pebbles, or terrarium | Monthly fertilization with a balanced liquid fertilizer (excluding winter) |
By following these care guidelines, your Calathea plants will thrive and showcase their stunning foliage. Now that you know how to provide the right light, water, humidity, and nutrients, you can create the perfect environment for your Calathea plants to flourish.
Dealing with Common Issues and Bugs
When it comes to caring for your calathea plants, it’s important to address common issues of plants and bugs that may arise. Two common problems that often occur are browning leaves and the presence of bugs, such as fungus gnats. Let’s take a closer look at how to deal with these issues.
Browning Leaves
Browning leaves can be a sign of several underlying issues. One common cause is using tap water with high mineral content, which can cause the leaves to brown. Additionally, calatheas thrive in high humidity environments, and low humidity levels can also lead to browning leaves. To resolve this issue:
- Water your calathea plants with filtered or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup.
- Increase humidity by misting the leaves regularly or placing a humidifier nearby.
- Consider moving your plants to a more humid area of your home, such as a bathroom or kitchen.
By taking these steps, you can help prevent further leaf browning and create a healthier environment for your calathea plants.
Bugs Presence
Dealing with bugs, like fungus gnats, can be a frustrating experience for calathea owners. Fungus gnats are attracted to the high soil humidity that calatheas prefer. To combat these pests:
- Submerge the bottom of the plant pot in shallow water for about 15 minutes. This technique helps drown the larvae and disrupts their breeding cycle.
- Mix in some diatomaceous earth with your potting soil. Diatomaceous earth is a natural pest control solution that helps eliminate fungus gnats.
- Regularly inspect your plant for any signs of pests and take immediate action if you spot any.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage and eliminate bugs from your calathea plants.
Regularly monitoring the health of your calathea plants and addressing common issues promptly is key to ensuring their long-term growth and vitality.
Propagation and Additional Tips
Calatheas can be propagated through root division. When the parent plant is healthy and at least 2 years old, it’s time to propagate. Spring or summer is ideal for propagation due to the plant’s vigorous growth. Starting calatheas from seeds is also possible, but keep in mind that it has a variable success rate. To start from seeds, plant them in a seed-starting mix in early spring, ensuring they receive bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.
To maintain healthy and full foliage, regular fertilization with a balanced liquid fertilizer is highly recommended. This will provide the necessary nutrients for the calathea’s growth and vibrant foliage. Additionally, it’s important to prune and trim off any brown or withered leaves. This not only improves the plant’s appearance but also promotes new growth.
Over time, repotting may be necessary to ensure the calathea has enough space for root growth. Every few years, evaluate the plant’s root system and repot it into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil. This will provide the plant with the necessary nutrients and room to spread its roots, resulting in robust growth.
FAQ
How do I care for a calathea plant?
Calatheas require indirect light, regular watering to keep the soil moist but not soggy, slightly acidic soil, warm temperatures, and monthly fertilization. They also benefit from a humid environment.
What are the different types of calathea plants?
Calatheas come in a wide variety of types, each with its own unique characteristics and patterns. Some popular types include Calathea zebrina, Calathea makoyana, Calathea ornata, and Calathea crocata.
How much light do calathea plants need?
Calatheas prefer indirect light and partial shade as they are used to growing under the jungle canopy. Direct sunlight can burn their leaves and cause their patterns to fade.
How often should I water my calathea plant?
Calatheas need to be watered regularly to maintain consistently moist soil, but they don’t like to be waterlogged. It’s best to use filtered water, rainwater, or let tap water sit overnight to allow chlorine and fluoride to evaporate before watering.
What should I do if my calathea plant’s leaves are turning brown?
Browning leaves can be caused by using tap water with high mineral content or low humidity levels. To fix this issue, water with filtered or rainwater and increase humidity by misting the plants or placing them in a more humid area.
How do I deal with bugs on my calathea plants?
Fungus gnats can be a common issue for calatheas due to the high soil humidity they prefer. To get rid of these pests, submerge the bottom of the plant pot in water or mix in some diatomaceous earth. Regularly inspecting and treating the plant for pests can help prevent further problems.
How can I propagate my calathea plant?
Calatheas can be propagated through root division. This should be done when the parent plant is healthy and at least 2 years old. Starting calatheas from seeds is also possible, although it has a variable success rate.
Do calatheas require fertilization?
To maintain healthy and full foliage, regular fertilization with a balanced liquid fertilizer is recommended. However, it’s important to avoid over-fertilizing and to exclude fertilization during the winter months when growth slows down.
