Caring for and Maintaining Your Calathea

Calathea is also known as the “Prayer Plant.” It is a genus of neotropical perennials that grow a modified stem (rhizome) that sends out roots and shoots from its nodes, allowing the plant to propagate. Calatheas are considered to be pet-friendly.

Sunlight: Calathea thrives in medium to bright light, but tolerate low indirect light. However, under low indirect light, expect slower than normal growth. In Colorado, either an east- or south-facing window behind a sheer curtain would be a wonderful place for them to live and thrive.

Water: Water your Calathea when the top 2-3” of soil become dry. Timing your watering will be different based on pot size, soil type, humidity, and light. Calathea require more water in more brightly lit conditions: the brighter the light, the more water that is needed. Check your Calathea every few days following watering with your finger to gain a better understanding of the plant’s environment and how quickly the soil becomes dry. Sink your index finger into the soil to the depth of your finger. If, when you pull out your finger, it is dry with no soil sticking to it, then it is time to water your plant again.

Humidity: Colorado is a dry state with humidity levels much lower than the native environments in which Calathea inhabit. To help create a more humid environment for your Calathea, consider adding a fine mist humidifier to the room(s) in which you have your Calathea. You can also place trays filled with stones and water nearby your Calathea to increase local humidity. Misting your Calathea with a hand sprayer will also help raise the local humidity level. Although the more humidity the better, a constant relative humidity of 50-55% will promote your Calathea’s growth and health.

Temperature: Like most houseplants, Calathea prefers temperatures in the range of 65-85 degrees F (18-30 degrees C). Avoid having your Calathea experience temperatures below 60 degrees F (15 degrees C).

Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. We recommend either Fertilome or Fox Farm Potting mix.