Calathea

Calatheas require plenty of water to keep their foliage looking lush, but they must not be allowed to sit in water. Water your Calatheas every 1-2 days, just enough to keep the soil moist without soaking it. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between watering, as this will help prevent overwatering and potential root rot. Calatheas prefer lukewarm water that's free from chlorine or any other additives.

Calatheas prefer to be grown in medium to indirect light, although direct sunlight must be avoided as it will scorch the foliage. Avoid placing Calatheas in dark corners or spots without much natural light, as their foliage will become dull and start to suffer. Place in spots that receive bright, indirect light throughout the day, such as near a lightly curtained window or in a west or east-facing room.

Calatheas prefer temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Any temperatures outside of these ranges can cause the plants to experience stress and cause them to go dormant. Calatheas also do not like cold drafty windows, so make sure to keep them away from such places.

Calatheas require high humidity to stay healthy and happy. Place your plants in spots where humidity is between 40-60%, such as bathrooms or kitchens. If humidity levels are too low, consider using a humidifier to raise the humidity levels. You can also mist your plants regularly to help keep the foliage fresh.

Calatheas prefer a well-draining soil mix that is similar to a peat-based mix or a mix that is composed of equal parts loam, peat moss, and perlite. Make sure to water your plants consistently to prevent rot and fungi growth in the soil.

Calatheas should be fertilized lightly throughout the growing season. Use a diluted fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the spring and summer months, but avoid doing so in winter as the plants are somewhat dormant then. A balanced 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilizer is best, or consider using a fertilizer specifically formulated for foliage plants.

Calatheas are prone to pests and diseases including scale, mealybugs, spider mites, and root rot. The best way to keep your plant pest-free is to practice good hygiene and keep an eye out for any signs of pests. Regularly inspect the foliage and roots for any signs of infestation, and act swiftly if you see any pests, using a mixture of water and insecticidal soap or neem oil. It is also a good idea to isolate any plants that are infested to prevent further spreading to other plants.

Calatheas do not require frequent repotting. Generally, it is best to repot your Calathea every 2-3 years in late winter or early spring. When you do repot, make sure to use a pot with drainage holes and a potting mix that is high in organic matter, such as a peat-based mix. Avoid placing an oversized pot as this can encourage root rot.

Calatheas do not require any pruning for the most part, as the foliage is self-maintaining. However, you may want to trim dead or damaged foliage if needed for aesthetic purposes. Using a pair of clean and sharp scissors, trim away any dead or wilting leaves and stems, making sure to sterilize the scissors in between cuts to avoid spreading any diseases.

Mulching your Calatheas is not necessary, but can help conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds. For best results, use organic mulch such as cedar chips, bark, or pine needles. Make sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the base of the plant and up off the roots.

Calatheas can be easily propagated by division. Start by carefully removing your plant from the pot and breaking up the roots into sections. Each section should have at least 3-4 rootlets and some foliage. Plant each section in its own pot filled with a moist soil mix and water consistently. With the right care, your new Calatheas should root within a few weeks.

Calatheas do not require any support, but it may be helpful to use poles if you feel that your plant is too heavy for its stem. Allow the plant to grow healthy, and remove the pole when it can support itself. Make sure to use a pole that is made of a material that won’t damage your plant.

Calatheas do not require any resting period, but they may go dormant from time to time in winter. This is simply a natural response to the cooler temperatures, and the plants should bounce back in spring with the return of warmer weather.

Calatheas are not toxic to cats and dogs, so they are a great choice if you have pets in your home.