The easiest Calathea to care for is the Calathea louisae. It is one of the smallest and hardiest members of the Calathea family of tropical foliage plants. Its small size and low-maintenance nature make it an ideal choice for a houseplant for both beginners and experienced plant owners alike.
The plant has bright green, oval-shaped stems, large green and white speckled leaves, and a attractive, striped pattern on its underside.
When caring for a Calathea louisae, give it plenty of indirect sunlight and moderate water, while keeping the soil lightly moist but not soggy. The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season, with half-strength liquid fertilizer.
Keep the humidity levels high in your home or place the plant in the bathroom to increase the ambient humidity level. The occasional misting of its leaves with non-hard water can also help to increase the humidity levels.
Additionally, the Calathea louisae will also appreciate having its leaves occasionally wiped with a damp cloth to clean away any dust or buildup.
Are Calathea plants low maintenance?
No, Calathea plants are not considered low maintenance plants because they are prone to infestations such as mealybugs, and need to have their soil changed regularly. They are also relatively high-light plants, so they will require more light than other plants, and need to be watered frequently.
They require specific temperature and humidity levels, so if these aren’t maintained, their leaves may start to yellow or brown. Additionally, Calathea plants need to be repotted every 2-3 years, and should be pruned and groomed regularly to keep their leaves looking clean and healthy.
Overall, the level of maintenance needed for these plants is not considered low, but moderate.
Is Calathea good for beginners?
Yes, Calathea is a great choice for beginners. Calathea plants are relatively simple to care for and require minimal maintenance. They prefer moderate, indirect light, moderate humidity, and warm temperatures.
They will tolerate some neglect and benefit from occasional misting to keep the leaves and soil moist. Calathea plants can suffer from common houseplant ailments such as root rot and insect infestations, but these can easily be avoided with proper care.
Additionally, Calathea plants help to purify the air by removing harmful toxins, and they create a lush, beautiful addition to any home. With just a few basic guidelines, Calathea can be a great choice for any beginning plant enthusiast.
Where should I put my Calathea?
The ideal spot for a Calathea is in a bright location that is not exposed to direct sunlight. It will thrive in an environment with medium or low indirect light. You can place it near a window or in a shaded corner.
However, make sure that the area is not too dark, as this could cause the plant to become leggy. Calatheas also prefer consistently warm temperatures; anywhere between 65 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.
When it comes to humidity, they prefer moist air but not saturated, so a humid bathroom or kitchen may be ideal. However, if the room is too warm, make sure to position the plant away from any direct heat sources.
Finally, make sure to water your Calathea regularly, keeping the soil lightly moist but never soggy.
Can I use tap water to water Calathea?
Yes, you can use tap water to water a Calathea. Calatheas prefer to be kept on the moist side, and are tolerant of different water qualities. However, it is important to be aware that tap water can contain certain minerals or chemicals that may be toxic to your Calathea.
Chlorine, calcium, and heavy metals can all be present in tap water, and can harm your plant’s roots or leaves. It is always safest to use filtered or purified water to water your plant, which is free of these troublesome chemical levels.
Additionally, Calatheas need warmer water than most plants, so the water should be at least lukewarm before watering.
Why are calatheas difficult?
Calatheas can be difficult to care for because they require specific maintenance that not all plants do. For one, they primarily thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and cannot tolerate soggy conditions.
Additionally, they require a moderate amount of water, but overwatering can easily lead to root rot. Bright, indirect light is also necessary for optimal growth, but too much sunlight will cause the foliage to burn.
Calatheas also need to be kept in a temperature range of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit with good air circulation and humidity that’s not too high or low. On top of this, they may become easily infested with pests or diseases if their environment is not properly regulated.
Can I keep Calathea in the bedroom?
Yes, you can keep Calathea in the bedroom! Calathea plants are exceptionally well-suited for indoor living and bedroom environments. Although they prefer bright indirect light, they can tolerate low light.
They are also known to be excellent air purifiers, as they absorb toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. Additionally, due to their lush foliage, Calathea plants can also act as natural humidifiers, producing oxygen and creating a calming atmosphere which is perfect for bedrooms.
Moreover, because of their easy-care nature and fairly low maintenance needs, Calathea plants are a great choice for individuals who want to enjoy the beauty of a houseplant in their bedroom without too much hassle.
How do I make my Calathea happy?
Making your Calathea happy involves providing it with the right conditions to thrive. Calatheas prefer bright, indirect light and high humidity. Place it in an east or west-facing window, or try artificial light with a grow light bulb if you need more brightness.
Keep the soil consistently moist with regular watering, avoid letting it dry out completely. Consider misting the plant, keeping a humidifier nearby, or grouping plants together on a pebble tray in order to increase humidity around your Calathea.
Feed your Calathea a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season, reduce or stop during the winter. Be aware of potential pests like mealybugs and spider mites. Lastly, offer a warm and comfortable home for your plant by avoiding temperature extremes and any sudden changes.
Do Calathea like to be crowded?
No, Calathea plants generally do not like to be crowded. They require plenty of air circulation and airflow, which can be hard to maintain when plants are too close together. Calathea plants thrive in a well-ventilated, lightly shaded area with humidity levels above 50% and temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
They prefer the soil to be kept consistently moist, but not wet or soggy. Crowding can also lead to rapid soil drying, which can cause root damage or leaf loss. Therefore, when planting or potting multiple Calathea in one pot, it’s best to allow enough room in between plants for air circulation and to prevent overcrowding.
How hard is it to keep a Calathea alive?
Keeping a Calathea alive can be fairly challenging due to its particular needs, but it is not impossible. They require specific temperatures, humidity, and lighting as well as consistent care and attention.
They need temperatures between65-80°F, humidity of at least 50%, and indirect or diffused sunlight. They must also be fertilized every couple of weeks with a weak fertilizer solution and watered regularly, so their soil should remain slightly moist but not soggy.
If their soil dries out too much, it can cause the tips of the leaves to brown, and if they are overwatered, they can suffer from root rot. If these conditions are closely monitored and the proper care is taken, it is possible to keep a Calathea alive and healthy.
How do you care for Calathea indoors?
Caring for Calathea indoors is easy and rewarding. Here are a few tips to help keep your Calathea healthy and thriving:
1. Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves of your Calathea.
2. Keep the soil moist. To prevent root rot, allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering.
3. Increase the humidity around your Calathea by misting the leaves a few times a week or adding a pebble tray filled with water beneath your plant.
4. Take care not to move your Calathea around too much, as it does not tolerate transplantation well and can be easily stressed.
5. Feed your Calathea only during the active growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted at half strength.
6. Watch out for common pests such as mealybugs and spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil sprayed directly on the foliage.
7. Trim away any yellow or brown leaves to keep your Calathea looking its best.
How often should you water Calathea?
Calathea plants should be watered about once a week. Depending on the climate, you may need to water more or less frequently. Ideally, the soil should remain damp but not waterlogged. To accurately gauge when it needs water, check the moisture of the soil by pushing your finger a few inches down into the soil.
If the soil feels damp all the way through, it doesn’t need water. If the soil is dry, water generously until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot, then allow the soil to dry out a bit before watering again.
To avoid over or underwatering, use a pot with good drainage holes and be sure to never leave the plant standing in water. Furthermore, Calathea will benefit from occasional misting, as they enjoy humid conditions.
This helps prevent leaf spots and brown fringes on the leaves. If the leaves start to droop, either the plant has been overwatered, or the humidity is too low. If you notice wilting, the plant has been overly watered and needs repotting in a different soil mixture, as the current one may be too compacted to allow for proper water drainage.
Should I cut dead leaves off Calathea?
Yes, you should cut dead leaves off your Calathea. Dead leaves can cause the plant to become more susceptible to disease and pests, and they can also make your Calathea look unsightly. To remove them, you should carefully snip them off right above the soil level.
Make sure that you do not pull the leaves off, as this can cause damage to the plant and make it harder for it to recover. Furthermore, it’s important to properly dispose of any cut leaves as they can spread disease if left near the plant.
Additionally, trimming your Calathea can help promote healthy growth, so you should periodically prune and deadhead your Calathea to keep it looking its best.
Should you mist Calathea?
Yes, you should mist Calathea plants. This tropical species prefers high humidity and needs occasional misting to stay healthy. A good starting point is to mist a Calathea twice a week. If you feel that you don’t have enough humidity in your home, you can increase your misting schedule to every other day.
Calatheas appreciate being misted in the morning or evening when the temperatures are cooler and evaporate more slowly. Make sure to remind yourself to mist your Calathea even if you forget for a few days, as the plant could suffer from wilting leaves if deprived of proper humidity for too long.
Can you mist calathea with tap water?
No, you should not mist calathea with tap water. Calathea is sensitive to fluoride and chlorine, which are commonly found in tap water. If you mist your plant with tap water, it may cause discoloration of the beautiful leaves and even stunt the plant’s growth.
Therefore, it is important to use filtered, distilled, or rain water when misting your calathea. If you are unable to obtain these types of water, you can leave tap water standing in an open container for 24 hours in order to allow the chlorine to evaporate.
What is the facing window for Calathea?
Calatheas prefer bright, indirect sunlight, so a facing window is ideal for this plant. Positioning the Calathea near a window that faces east or north is the best location choice, as it will receive bright indirect lighting.
The window should be partially shaded if it receives direct sunlight. Calatheas need humidity to remain healthy and thrive, so be sure to mist the plant frequently. Positioning the pot on a tray of pebbles and water can help increase the humidity around the plant if necessary.
Does Calathea need sunlight?
No, Calathea does not need direct sunlight. In its natural environment, this plant lives under the canopy of larger jungle trees and rarely gets any direct sunlight. That being said, Calathea still needs some light to thrive in your home.
Bright indirect light is best for your Calathea. Place your Calathea near an east- or west-facing window, and make sure it’s not placed in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, resulting in yellowed and brown patches.
If your space does not get much natural light, you can always supplement with fluorescent lighting or LED bulbs. With the right care, your Calathea will be able to grow healthy foliage and dazzling colors.
How do you know when Calathea needs humidity?
You can tell when a Calathea needs humidity when it starts to show signs of stress. Signs of stress can include browning leaves, wilty leaves, or dry-looking leaves. Yellowing or drooping leaves can also indicate that the plant needs more humidity.
In addition, curling leaves or leaves with brown edges can also be an indication that the plant is not getting enough humidity. You can also check to see if the soil is drying out quickly, as this could be an indication that the humidity is not high enough.
Finally, if you have a humidity gauge, you can use this to check to see if the humidity is within the desired range.
Can Calathea get too much humidity?
Yes, Calathea plants can get too much humidity. Too much humidity can cause the leaves to turn yellow and rot. It is important to keep your Calathea plant in an environment with good air circulation and moderate humidity.
Aim for 40-50% humidity for your Calathea. You can maintain the humidity level of your house by using a humidifier and by misting your plant regularly. It is also important to make sure that the plant pot has good drainage so the soil can dry out between waterings.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a hygrometer to accurately measure the humidity in your house.
Why does my Calathea have brown tips?
Brown tips on a Calathea plant usually indicate underlying issues. These can be due to a few things, including improper lighting, inconsistent watering, and nutrient deficiencies.
Lighting is extremely important for Calathea plants. These plants are native to tropical regions of the world and require bright, indirect light. Placing them in direct sunlight or in an area that doesn’t get enough light can cause the leaves to become brown and crispy.
It’s best to place your Calathea in a spot that receives bright, indirect light but not direct sunlight.
Watering also needs to be consistent when it comes to your Calathea plant. Calatheas should always be kept on the moist side, but not soggy or overly wet. If you water your plant too frequently or too little, it can cause the leaves to brown and crisp.
Nutrient deficiencies can also be a factor in why your Calathea’s leaves are browning. Calatheas should be fed a balanced liquid fertilizer at half-strength every two weeks during their active growing season.
This will help them to get the necessary nutrients to stay healthy and strong.
Overall, brown tips on a Calathea can be caused by several different issues. However, it’s important to remember that these plants are quite sensitive to environmental conditions and subtle changes can cause drastic effects.
Adjusting the lighting, water and fertilization based on the specific needs of your own plant should help get your Calathea back to its healthy, vibrant self.