THE GARDEN POST

Calathea 101.


The Complete Guide for Calathea Plant Parents!

Calathea plants are natives to tropical South and Central America, Africa, and the West Indies, Calathea plants are famous for their exquisite, upright, oval leaves. With a diverse collection of over 60 species, these leaves showcase a mesmerizing array of vibrant patterns and colors on the top side, enhanced by captivating purple undersides.

Before getting your first Calathea, here are a few key things you should know!

Considering your first Calathea?  

You're on the right track! Calathea plants have gained popularity, captivating social media with their stunning and distinctive foliage patterns, they're also an excellent choice for beginners as they thrive indoors with minimal maintenance.

Calatheas love indirect light!

When caring for Calathea plants, it's important to remember that they don't require excessive sun exposure. While they appreciate bright light, direct sunlight should be avoided. Calatheas naturally grow on the forest floor, where they receive limited light, making spaces like bathrooms or kitchens ideal for these plants. So don't hesitate to find the perfect spot in your home for your Calathea, even if it means placing it in areas with indirect light.

Humidity it's a most!

Being native to the lush jungles and forests of Brazil, Calathea plants thrive in high humidity environments. They have evolved with wide, colorful, and mesmerizing leaves that allow them to absorb moisture from the air. Depending on where you live, achieving the ideal humidity level might be challenging. However, you can always enhance the humidity for your Calathea by using an air humidifier and other accessories to ensure their well-being and happiness.

Watering Tips

Calathea's leaves have a tendency to curl inward and become dry as a signal for watering. It's advisable to use distilled or purified water for these plants. They thrive when kept consistently moist, so it's crucial to provide them with the appropriate amount of water. Overwatering can lead to soggy soil and potential drowning of the plant, so be mindful of maintaining a balance in watering practices.

What about prunning?

The good news is that Calatheas generally require minimal pruning. However, if you notice any brown or yellowing leaves, feel free to trim them without hesitation. Using a pair of scissors or pruning shears, simply cut the affected leaves at the base to maintain the plant's health and appearance.

Calatheas don't like the cold!

Calatheas are not fond of chilly temperatures. Originating from tropical regions where temperatures can reach up to 80 degrees, it's important to protect them from cold air. Avoid placing them near open windows, doors, or air conditioners that could expose them to drafts. Instead, maintain a steady and suitable temperature to keep your Calathea thriving.

They're also pet friendly!

Calathea plants are also pet-friendly, non-toxic to dogs and cats, so you can have peace of mind if you have curious pets around. However, it's still important to prevent your pets from nibbling on the plants, as a general precautionary measure.

Great air-purifiyng plant!

Calathea plants are an excellent choice for indoor greenery, not only for its beauty but also for its air-purifying qualities. It actively contributes to creating a healthier environment by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing fresh oxygen, promoting cleaner and fresher air for humans to breathe.

In other words...

When you get your first Calathea, it's crucial to keep in mind that these plants require specific care to thrive. They thrive in a consistently warm environment with bright, indirect light, so it's important to avoid direct sunlight. Maintaining moist soil is essential from spring to autumn, and you can enhance humidity by misting the leaves daily or placing the pot on a tray of moist pebbles. Calatheas need to be watered with filtered or distilled water, or rainwater not tap water.

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