How to Care for Calathea, a Striking Houseplant That Doubles As Décor

Even in a world filled with houseplants of all types and colors, tropical calathea plants definitely stand out. They are well-loved for their large, vibrant leaves with eye-catching color patterns, as well as their suitability for homes with pets. The mature size of a Calathea plant depends on the variety, but most stay under 3 feet tall. 

Calathea plants are native to Central and South America, so they thrive in warm, humid climates. They're also known as prayer plants because of how some calathea raise and lower their leaves (a fascinating phenomenon known as nyctinasty). Interested in growing one of these beauties in your home or office? We spoke to horticulturists who shared tips for growing and caring for a calathea plant.

How to Care for Calathea Plants

Calathea plants have a bit of a reputation for being finicky, but you can learn how to succeed with this beautiful tropical plant. Here are the basics you’ll need to know.

Soil 

Calathea prefers well-drained, acidic potting soil with a pH under 6.5. Aim for soil that is moist but not wet; too much retained moisture in the soil can cause problems for calathea, but too dry isn’t ideal either. Also, avoid heavy soil when growing calathea.

Sunlight 

Like many houseplants, calathea needs bright but indirect light, says certified professional horticulturist Heather Wheatley. Too much direct sun can negatively impact the color of your calathea’s leaves and cause them to curl. Not enough sunlight can cause its own set of problems, though, so try to find that happy medium.

Water 

A good rule of thumb is to water calathea every one to two weeks and allow some drying between waterings. But always check the soil before watering—if the top 2 inches of soil are dry, give your plant a drink. The chemicals and minerals in tap water can be problematic for some houseplants, including calathea, so you may want to choose filtered or distilled water instead. 

Fertilizer 

Plan to fertilize your calathea every one to two months or so. But keep in mind that this range can vary (longer or shorter) depending on the time of year and whether the plant is in an active growth period or not. Choose a balanced fertilizer designed for indoor plants. 

Temperature/Humidity

Calathea requires warm temperatures and humidity for best results. “Knowing the native environment of any tropical plant is helpful to know what they need to thrive in your home,” says Wheatley. “The regular watering and higher humidity needed by the calathea are easily achieved by weekly checks of the soil moisture and a small humidifier. It's ideal to keep the growing temperatures no lower than 65 degrees,” she says. For humidity, aim for between 50 to 65 percent.

Types of Calathea Plants

There are dozens of species of calathea plants belonging to the family Marantaceae. Here are a few excellent examples:

• Pinstripe plant (Calathea ornata): A striking, dark green variety with pink stripes. This variety reaches up to 3 feet tall.
• Rattlesnake plant (Calathea lancifolia): This variety is aptly named. Its long, narrow leaves with darker green spots resemble a rattlesnake’s pattern. Rattlesnake plants can reach up to 3 feet tall.
• Peacock plant (Calathea makoyana): The leaves of peacock plant (also known as cathedral windows) are almost reminiscent of a stained glass window in shades of green. Keep peacock plant away from direct sunlight in order to preserve the brilliance of the leaves. It matures at 1 to 2 feet tall.
• Zebra plant (Calathea zebrina): It probably comes as no surprise that this variety has foliage striped like a zebra. The darker green leaves are patterned with chartreuse stripes for a very striking effect. Zebra plant reaches 2 to 3 feet tall.

Tips for Growing Calathea Plants in Containers 

Achieving the harmonious balance of light, water, temperature, and humidity might seem tricky, but calathea will thrive most effectively when those requirements are met. Indirect light, regular watering (but not overwatering), warm temperatures, and plenty of humidity are essential when growing a calathea in a container in your home. Placing the container in a tray of pebbles with water can help with humidity.

How to Repot Calathea 

Repotting calathea is something you’ll only need to do every couple of years or so. You’ll know it’s time to repot if you see roots coming out of the drainage holes or if the plant seems generally stressed. "The new container should be at least 1 to 2 inches larger than the pot it's coming from," says Dick Zondag, horticulturist and master gardener.

Follow these steps when repotting calathea:

1. Remove the plant from the old pot.
2. Pull the roots on the outside of the root ball to free them from being root-bound.
3. Place the plant in the new container.
4. Fill the container with fresh potting soil.
5. Water well.

How to Prune Calathea 

Other than regular removal of dead or yellowed leaves, calathea really doesn’t require any pruning. One less task for the to-do list! 

How to Propagate Calathea Plants 

You can propagate calathea plants by division. All you have to do is un-pot an existing plant and divide it into clumps, with each clump having at least one leaf attached. Place each new clump into an appropriately sized container of its own filled with well-drained potting soil. A good time to do this is when you’re repotting your existing plant. Mist the propagated plants and provide indirect light as they work to get established.

Common Problems 

Like any houseplant, calathea can struggle with common problems caused by pests and diseases. Here are a few of them:

Pests

Sometimes gnats, mealybugs, spider mites, and other pests can be found on Calathea plants. Wipe down plants if pests are spotted. Rubbing alcohol can be helpful for removing some types of pests; horticultural oil is another possible option. 

Disease

Calathea is susceptible to plant diseases like root rot and powdery mildew. Taking care not to overwater will improve your plant’s chances of avoiding these diseases. 

Yellow Leaves

If the leaves of your calathea plant are turning yellow, you're likely overwatering it. Only water when the top two inches of soil are dry to prevent root rot and yellow leaves.

Wilting Leaves

Wilting leaves are also common when growing calathea plants. This is typically caused by a lack of water or low humidity.

Curling Leaves

When calathea leaves curl, it’s commonly caused by too much light, too little water, or not enough humidity. "Leaf curl is the first symptom they are not happy in the area they are situated in," says Zondag. Try adjusting the amount of light, water, or humidity you're giving this plant to see if the issue is remedied.

Sunburn

If you see brown leaves on your calathea plant, it may be due to too much sun exposure. “They are sensitive to sunburn because they are native to the Central and South American tropical forest floors,” says Wheatley. “Light pours in through dappled foliage from the upper canopy.”