How to Take Care of Plants From the Calathea Species

Calathea plants often feature striped leaves.

According to the Denver Plants growing resource, the calathea species includes more than 300 types of unusual plants and flowers. These plants often feature leaves with bright stripes and burgundy undersides, adding color and vitality to any home or garden. Like most plants, calathea plants require certain sunlight, watering and other care specifications.

Things You'll Need

• Distilled water
• Pebble tray
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Place your calathea plants in an area of your home or garden that remains bright during the day, but receives very little direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can bleach the color out of the leaves, and can even curl or burn the leaves.

2. Water your calathea plant with distilled or bottled water. Hard water and contaminants sometimes found in tap water can damage the plant's roots.

3. Water your calathea plants depending on the season. During the growing season and during warm or hot temperatures, keep the soil moist but not soaking. In the winter and during cold temperatures, allow the soil to become slightly dry before watering again.

4. Place your calathea plant's pot in a pebble tray filled with water. This will help keep the humidity high near your plant. Calatheas thrive best in high-humidity areas.

5. Fertilize your calathea plant with water-soluble fertilizers. Apply fertilizer every two weeks; follow product instructions regarding the amount of fertilizer to use, as this will vary depending on the size of your plant.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a humidifier to help keep the humidity near the plant high. The ideal temperature for a calathea plant is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with a humidity level above 70 percent.

• Find pebble trays, fertilizer and other growing supplies at garden centers and nurseries.

• Brown edges on leaves can mean that the air near your calathea plant is too dry. Add a pebble tray or humidifier to increase humidity.

• Overfertilizing can cause leaf spots on some calathea species.

References

• The Flower Expert: Calatheas
• Backyard Gardener: Calathea Iancifolia
• Denver Plants: Calathea Roseopicta
• University of Florida: Calathea Production

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish