Calathea

Care instructions for

Calathea

Calathea is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Marantaceae. They are commonly called calatheas or prayer plants. About 200 species formerly assigned to Calathea are now in the genus Goeppertia. Calathea currently contains around 60 species.

Light

• Place in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves and cause colors to fade.

Water

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top half-inch or so of soil to dry out before watering again.
• Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater, as tap water can contain minerals that damage the leaves.

Soil & Fertilizer

• Use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter.
• Feed with a balanced houseplant fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer. Do not fertilize in the winter.

Humidity & Temperature

• Keep away from drafts, sudden temperature changes, and heating or cooling vents. The ideal temperature range is between 65−85°𝐹
• Humidity: Calatheas thrive in high humidity. Increase it by misting daily, using a pebble tray, or a humidifier.

Other Care Tips

• Cleaning: Gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, but avoid using leaf shine products.
• Repotting: Repot every one to two years in a slightly larger pot with drainage holes.
• Remove any dead or yellowing leaves by pinching them off to encourage new growth.