Have you ever admired the vibrant, exotic foliage of Calathea and wanted to grow it yourself? You’ll be glad to know that it’s not as difficult as it looks! With just a few simple steps, you’ll be on your way to growing and caring for this beautiful, tropical houseplant.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of growing Calathea, the temperature and lighting requirements, soil requirements, watering and fertilizing requirements, humidity requirements, and how to monitor for pests and diseases.
So, let’s get started!.
Short Answer
Calathea plants prefer bright, indirect light and moist, well-draining soil.
Water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry, being careful not to overwater.
Keep your calathea in a humid environment by misting the leaves with water or using a humidifier.
Fertilize your calathea every two weeks during the growing season with a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Benefits of Growing Calathea
Growing calathea plants has many benefits.
Not only are they beautiful and tropical additions to any home or garden, but they also provide many health benefits.
Calathea plants are known for their air-purifying qualities, helping to remove toxins from the air and improve air quality in your home.
In addition, they can help reduce stress and increase productivity.
As calathea plants are known for their low-maintenance qualities, they make an ideal plant for busy individuals who would like to bring a bit of green into their lives without taking up too much of their time.
Growing calathea plants provides a great way to spruce up any space, whether indoors or outdoors, with a touch of tropical beauty.
Temperature and Lighting Requirements
When it comes to growing calathea, the temperature and lighting requirements are important factors to consider.
Calathea plants prefer warm temperatures and thrive in environments between 65-80F (18-27C).
It is best to keep the plant away from cold drafts, as this could cause it to become stressed and drop its leaves.
When it comes to lighting, calathea plants prefer bright, indirect light.
Keep your calathea away from direct sunlight, as this can cause burning of the leaves.
Place your plant in a spot that receives bright, indirect light and is out of direct sunlight.
If you dont have a bright enough spot inside your home, you can also place your calathea plant outside in a shaded area for a few hours each day.
This will give your plant the light it needs to thrive.
Soil Requirements
When growing calathea, you will want to use a well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
This will help to ensure that your plant receives the nutrients and moisture it needs without becoming waterlogged.
Use a potting mix designed for tropical plants and add some perlite or sand for better drainage.
You can also add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil to provide additional nutrients for your calathea.
Pay attention to the pH level of the soil as calathea prefers slightly acidic soil.
Make sure to monitor the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
If the soil is too dry, your calathea will start to wilt.
If it’s too wet, you may experience root rot.
Watering Requirements
Watering is one of the most important aspects of caring for a Calathea plant.
It is important to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, as overwatering can cause root rot.
The best way to determine when to water is to check the soil moisture level.
Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep, if the soil is dry to the touch then it is time to water.
If the soil is still moist, wait until the top layer of soil is dry before watering again.
Make sure to water your Calathea thoroughly until the water drains out of the bottom of the pot.
After watering, allow the excess water to drain away and dont allow the plant to sit in a saucer of water.
It is important to keep the soil slightly damp but never soggy.
It is also helpful to use a moisture meter to help monitor the soil moisture level.
Fertilizing Requirements
Fertilizing is an essential part of caring for calathea plants.
To keep your calathea healthy and thriving, you should fertilize it on a regular basis.
The best way to fertilize calathea plants is to use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength.
This should be done once a month during the growing season, from spring to fall.
During the winter, when the plant is not actively growing, fertilization can be reduced to once every two months.
Its best to fertilize your calathea in the early morning or in the late evening, as this will reduce the risk of burning the plant due to the suns intensity.
Make sure to water your plant before you fertilize it, as this will help the fertilizer to be absorbed into the soil.
When applying fertilizer, make sure to keep it away from the stems and leaves of the plant.
When choosing a fertilizer for your calathea, opt for one that is specifically designed for use on houseplants.
These will contain all the necessary nutrients your calathea needs to thrive, in the right proportions.
Make sure to always read the instructions on the label to ensure you are applying the fertilizer in the correct amounts.
Too much fertilizer can be harmful to your plant, so its important to follow the instructions carefully.
Fertilizing your calathea regularly will help the plant to stay healthy and thriving.
With the right care and maintenance, your calathea will be sure to bring you joy for years to come.
Humidity Requirements
When it comes to growing Calathea, humidity is key.
The plant likes warm and humid environments, so its important to keep humidity levels high.
This can be done by misting the plant regularly and placing it near a humidifier.
Additionally, you can use a humidifier in the same room as the plant or even set up a pebble tray with water underneath the pot.
This will help the soil retain moisture more effectively and keep the air around the plant humid.
Additionally, you can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity of your Calatheas environment.
If the humidity falls below 50%, its time to increase the moisture.
Monitor for Pests and Disease
When it comes to keeping your calathea healthy, it is important to monitor for pests and diseases.
While calatheas are relatively hardy plants, they can be vulnerable to pests and diseases if their environment is not optimal.
Common issues include spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and root rot.
To prevent these, inspect your plant on a regular basis and take immediate action if you spot any signs of pests or disease.
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to yellow and discolor.
To prevent spider mites, keep the humidity levels high in the area where you are growing your calathea.
You can also use a pesticide or insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
Mealybugs are another pesky pest that can harm your calathea.
They look like small, white, cottony masses on the underside of the leaves and stems.
To prevent mealybugs, you should keep the plant in a warm, dry environment and use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of them.
Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to yellow and wilt.
To prevent aphids, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil, and keep the area around the plant free of debris and weeds.
Root rot is a fungal disease that is caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
To prevent root rot, make sure you are providing your calathea with the correct amount of water and that the soil is well-draining.
If you do notice root rot, use an anti-fungal treatment to get rid of it.
By monitoring for pests and diseases on a regular basis and taking the necessary steps to prevent and treat them, you can ensure your calathea stays healthy and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
Growing a calathea plant is a rewarding experience, as it will bring beauty and life to your home or garden.
With the right temperature, lighting, soil, watering, fertilizing, and humidity requirements, your calathea will thrive and be a stunning addition to your space.
Be sure to monitor for pests and disease to ensure your plant stays healthy.
With care and dedication, you can have a beautiful calathea plant for years to come.
So, what are you waiting for? Get started on growing your calathea today!.