Calathea Care Indoors | How to Grow Calathea

Calathea is available in a range of varieties, with unique markings and leaf structures! Varieties like Rattlesnake calathea, Peacock plant, and Corona are quite popular. All varieties have a similar growing and caring requirements.

The best way to propagate calathea is through cuttings. Take 5-6 inches of stem cutting from a healthy plant and dip it in a rooting hormone. Plant it in well-draining soil. Water regularly, making sure that it never goes dry. 

It depends on the size of your acquired calathea plant and its variety. A pot size of 8-10 inches is sufficient. You can use beautiful ceramic pots to add more beauty to the look of the plant! Keep in mind that the pot must have drainage holes at the bottom, as stored water can result in root rot.

This beautiful plant is not fussy about the light requirements and thrives well even in low light. Calathea performs poorly in the direct sun as it bleaches out the leaves. Place your plant near a location where it’ll receive bright indirect 

Propagation

The best way to propagate calathea is through cuttings. Take 5-6 inches of stem cutting from a healthy plant and dip it in a rooting hormone. Plant it in well-draining soil. Water regularly, making sure that it never goes dry. The cutting will form roots in three to four weeks.

It depends on the size of your acquired calathea plant and its variety. A pot size of 8-10 inches is sufficient. You can use beautiful ceramic pots to add more beauty to the look of the plant! Keep in mind that the pot must have drainage holes at the bottom, as stored water can result in root rot.

This beautiful plant is not fussy about the light requirements and thrives well even in low light. Calathea performs poorly in the direct sun as it bleaches out the leaves. Place your plant near a location where it’ll receive bright indirect sunlight.

Tip: The darker the leaves, like calathea ornata, the lower the light requirements.

Calathea plants prefer moist soil. For best growth, prepare a mix of 50 percent potting soil, 20 percent charcoal, 20 percent orchid bark, and 10 percent perlite.

While growing calathea indoors, you have to be a little careful as these plants are sensitive to the water used. Avoid using hard water. Using distilled water is best. Let the tap water sit overnight before using it to water the plants. Always keep the soil dry and never overwater. Allow 2-3 inches of the topsoil to go dry before watering again.

Calathea performs well at a relative humidity level of 50 percent or more. Place the pot in a tray filled with water and pebbles, or use a humidifier. Grouping the plants also helps in increasing the humidity.

As calathea is a tropical plant, it grows best within the temperature range of 60-80 F (15-26 C).