History of Calathea

Calathea is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants that are known for its beautiful bush leaves and, often intricately patterned, in many shades of green. Calathea is also a great plant for pet owners as they are pet-friendly plants.

Calathea plants are found in tropical America (mainly Brazil) and the leaves are mainly used by locals for handcrafting purposes and wrapping food. With different leaf shapes and varieties, the locals can craft baskets with lanceolate leaves and wrap food items with wider and longer leaves. Calathea plants are growing in popularity as popular indoor houseplants due to their colourful leaf patterns.

Popular Calathea Species:

The Calathea Medallion (Calathea veitchiana), Calathea Tanja, Calathea Freddy or Calathea Concinna Freddie, Calathea Gecko, Calathea Dottie, Calathea Gecko Reverted, Calathea Ornata, Calathea Cobra Pink, Calathea Vitata , Calathea Cora, Calathea Insignis, Calathea Mokoya, Calathea Beautiful Star, Calathea Orbifolia, Calathea Beautiful Star, Calathea Rufibarba, Calathea Peacock, Calathea Zebrina, Calathea Rosey, Calathea Red Mojo, Calathea Jungle Rose.

Calatheas are known plants of the prayer plant family, Marantaceae. Plants in this plant family follow a biological rhythm where the plant leaves move up at nighttime and go low during the daytime daily. The prayer plant moves its leaves by applying water pressure in their pulvinus, which swollen the nodes and then into Petiole. It is assumed, for prayer-plants to absorb sunlight at its full potential, their movements are intended to pursue the sun’s movement.

Healthy Calathea Indoor Plant!

How to look after Calathea Indoor Plants?

Sunlight

Calatheas love to grow in medium to bright indirect light but can endure low indirect light.

Water

Water the Calatheas every 1 to 2 weeks and let the soil dry out halfway between watering.

Water more frequently in brighter light, and water less frequently in lower light.

Humidity

Calathea Plants prefer as high humid conditions as possible. To boost humidity levels in the home, spray the calathea with a fine mist of water. Make sure to use rainwater that does not contain harmful chemicals.

During winter, you use a terrarium or a large glass jar to form a humid environment. Alternatively, use a wireless 750ml humidifier around the Calathea indoor plants to boost humidity levels quickly and efficiently.

Temperature

Due to Calatheas tropical habitat, they love to live in temperatures between the 18 °C-30 °C range. Do not let the temperature drop below 15 °C as it can harm Calatheas with frost.

Potting

Use a high-quality potting mix that encourages root growth and plant development.

Make sure the potting mix contains compost, pine bark, coco coir, worm castings, and perlite to help Calatheas get the right nutrients.

Common Issues and Solutions

Calatheas are super easy to take care of. You can sometimes run into common issues, so look out for:

Issue 1: Calatheas leaves are Wilting, curling or the potting mix is dried

Solution: Your Calatheas Plant is underwatered or lacks humidity around the plant.
Water the plant more or increase the humidity levels around the plant.

Issue 2: Leaves are yellow, black stems, wet potting mix

Solution: Your Calatheas has been overwatered. Reduce watering and let the potting mix dry out before watering.

Issue 3: Leaf spots or discoloured spots

Solution: This happens because fungal infections or minerals develop from tap water. Use distilled water or water the plant surrounding potting soil.

Issue 4: Insects and bugs are on my Calathea

Solution: If insects and bugs do appear, regularly wipe the plant, or you can spray natural pesticides weekly.

Calatheas are safe for pets!

Calathea indoor plants are pet friendly. All calathea varieties are harmless, making them safe around cats and dogs. Nevertheless, if children and pets are curious about Calathea, keep the plant away from them.