Anyone knows how to grow a calathea?

Question

i got this calathea plant but dont know how to take care of it? does it like sun or shade lots of water ? its such a pretty plant

Answer 1

it likes moderate light(no direct sunlight). prune the dead leaves down at the stem as they die.

Answer 2

If you have had a prayer plant (Maranta sp) you can probulary grow the Calathea. They come from the Humid Jungles of Brazil and South America.

Native to: North West Brazil.

Growth habit: A short clump forming bush usually not over 14" in height or width.  

Flowers: Yes but unsightly.

Temps: Normal indoor temps

Humidity: Place on pebble tray.

Pests: Watch for spider mites.

Lighting:    

  Pictured Houseplant: 6" Calathea Roseopicta

Houseplant Cultural information: The Calathea family contains over 300 species of unusual plants. Some of them are a bit difficult to care for. If the water in your area is extremely hard, or of poor quality it is best to water your Calathea plants with bottled water. Hard water will cause leaf spotting. If you're fortunate enough to have soft water let the water sit out over night before watering your Calathea plants. If you have an aquarium your can recycle the tank water, for watering your plants. No water beats used aquarium water for watering sensitive houseplants.  

Place your Calathea roseopicat in bright filtered or indirect light. East, west or north windows should do nicely. Avoid hot sunny locations as the plants leaves will tend to curl and burn. During periods of extreme cold remove the Calathea roseopicta from the window to avoid chilling.

Keep your Calathea roseopicta on a pebble tray to increase the humidity level near the plant, but do not allow your plant to sit in water. Calathea's prefer a warm location, away from cold drafts. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Excessive fertilizing also can lead to leaf spots on Calthea roseopicta. Your Calathea should be fertilized about four times per year.

Propagation is very difficult in our dry climate and is not recommended.

Common houseplant pests include: Spider mites.

Once you master Calathea care... this plant will reward you for years to come with its beautiful foliage.



Don't put your plant in any direct sunlight! Leaves will burn!

If air is too dry leaves will roll up and turn horned shaped and shrivel up. The plants leaves dance around a whole lot throughout the day and like the prayer plant close up or scrunch up in nighttime.

There are many species of Calathea too.

Pest watch out for spider mites!