Red Velvet Calathea

The soil should be kept moist but never soggy. When it comes to watering, it's important to find the right balance. Too little water can cause its leaves to curl, while too much water will leave the plant prone to root rot. It's best to let the top inch of soil dry out before you water again.

Red Velvet Calathea needs indirect, bright light. Place them near a north-facing window or in indirect south or east-facing windows. You should avoid direct sunlight as it may damage the leaves. Having bright, indirect light is important for maintaining its vibrant coloring and its lush foliage.

Red Velvet Calathea requires a temperature between 68-82°F (20-28°C). If temperatures go above or below this range, it can cause a variety of problems, and the plant won’t do well in drafty areas.

Red Velvet Calathea will thrive in high levels of humidity. This can be achieved by misting the leaves once or twice every day or placing a humidifier nearby to raise the level of moisture in the air. You can also try setting the pot on a pebble-filled tray with a shallow amount of water.

Red Velvet Calatheas prefer a loose, light format for soil. Regular potting soil is fine, as long as it is light and well draining. It is best to avoid soil mixes that are too heavy and rich with fertilizers, as this can cause root rot.

The best time to fertilize Red Velvet Calathea is during the growing season (spring and summer). Fertilize monthly with a general-purpose liquid fertilizer or foliar fertilizer. During winter, fertilizer should be skipped as the plant goes dormant.

Red Velvet Calathea is susceptible to a variety of common houseplant pests. Mealybugs, Spider Mites, and Scale all love Calatheas. Through appropriate pest control it can successfully containing an infestation. For minor infestations, gently wipe or scrape off the pests using a damp cloth or cotton swab. For heavy infestations, spray the leaves with a bug-killing soap like Neem oil, horticultural oil, or insecticidal soap.

It is best to repot Red Velvet Calatheas once every two years or so in the spring when it is actively growing. Make sure to use a potting soil that is light and well draining. If your Calathea is root bound, gently tease the roots apart and loosen the soil before repotting into a larger pot. Do not over water when repotting.

Red Velvet Calathea does not need to be pruned often, but it should be done from time to time. Cut back stems that are leggy and outgrown their potting soil. Using sterilized garden scissors, prune any dead or dying leaves or stems. Pruning can help encourage healthy growth and promote lush foliage.

It’s best to not use any mulch when growing Red Velvet Calathea. The mulch can cause the soil to become too moist and facilitate root rot in the plant. Use a bed of moss at the bottom of the pot to help keep the soil moist and cool.

Propagating Red Velvet Calathea can be done from stem or leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, cut a stem from the plant, about 3 to 4 inches in length. Remove two or three lower leaves and place the cutting in a pot filled with moist soil. The new plant will grow its own root system and can be transplanted into a larger pot. For leaf cuttings, take a healthy leaf off the stem and place the leaf cutting on a moist paper towel. In the following weeks, small plantlets will begin to grow. Once they reach 3-4 inches in length, they can each be transplanted into separate pots.

Red Velvet Calatheas don’t require any support to keep their shape, but they can benefit from some structure. Staking the plant isn’t necessary, but using a moss pole or trellis can help the plant grow and thrive.

For optimal growth, it is critical to give Red Velvet Calathea a rest period in the winter. The light and water needs of the plant should be reduced, as this will allow time for the leaves to recover their vibrant color and perk up. During the winter, keep the soil of your Calathea moist and gradually reduce the watering schedule.

Red Velvet Calathea is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, so it is a great houseplant to have in a home with four-legged family members.