How to Care for a Calathea — The Complete Guide

If you've ever been drawn to a plant with the most dramatically beautiful patterned leaves you've ever seen — chances are it was a Calathea.

Calatheas are stunning. Velvety, painterly, architectural. They come in dozens of varieties — from the bold zebra stripes of Calathea zebrina to the silvery brushstrokes of Calathea ornata. They're also famously a little dramatic. But once you understand what they need, they're incredibly rewarding to grow.

At Sunroom Plants in Ridgewood, NJ, Calatheas are one of our most loved plants. Here's everything you need to know to keep yours thriving.

What is a Calathea?

Calatheas are tropical plants native to the rainforests of South America. They naturally grow beneath dense forest canopies — which is why they prefer indirect light and high humidity. One of their most magical qualities is that their leaves move throughout the day, folding up at night and opening again in the morning. This earns them the nickname "prayer plants."

Light

Calatheas prefer bright to medium indirect light. Direct sunlight will bleach and scorch their beautiful patterned leaves — keep them away from south-facing windows or anywhere the sun hits directly. A few feet back from a bright window is ideal. They also do well in lower light conditions, making them perfect for apartments and offices.

Watering

This is where most people go wrong with Calatheas. They like consistently moist soil — but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. In summer, this might be every 5–7 days. In winter, every 10–14 days.

One important note: Calatheas are sensitive to the chemicals in tap water, particularly fluoride and chlorine. If your tap water is heavily treated, consider using filtered water or leaving tap water out overnight before using it. Many Calathea lovers swear by rainwater.

Humidity

Calatheas love humidity — ideally 50% or above. In a typical home, the air is often too dry, especially in winter when heating systems are running. Here's how to boost humidity:

• Place your Calathea in a bathroom or kitchen where humidity is naturally higher

• Use a pebble tray filled with water beneath the pot

• Group it with other plants — plants naturally release moisture

• Use a humidifier nearby

Temperature

Keep your Calathea in temperatures between 65–85°F (18–30°C). Avoid cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and sudden temperature changes. They're tropical plants and genuinely don't like the cold.

Soil and Potting

Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. Calatheas don't like sitting in wet soil, so good drainage is essential. Repot every 1–2 years in spring when you notice roots coming out of the drainage holes.

Fertilising

Feed your Calathea with a balanced liquid fertiliser once a month during spring and summer. Don't fertilise in autumn and winter when growth slows down.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Brown leaf edges — usually a sign of low humidity or fluoride sensitivity in tap water. Increase humidity and switch to filtered water.

Yellow leaves — often overwatering. Let the soil dry out a little more between waterings and check that the pot has good drainage.

Curling leaves — a sign of underwatering or low humidity. Give it a good drink and boost the moisture in the air.

Faded leaf pattern — too much direct light. Move it somewhere with softer, indirect light.

Drooping leaves — could be underwatering, cold temperatures, or root bound. Check the soil and roots.

Calathea Varieties to Look For

• Calathea orbifolia — large, round silver-green leaves with bold stripes

• Calathea ornata — deep green leaves with delicate pink pinstripes

• Calathea zebrina — velvety green leaves with dramatic zebra stripes

• Calathea medallion — rich burgundy undersides with green and silver patterns

Come Find Your Calathea

We usually stock several Calathea varieties at Sunroom Plants. Come in and find the one that speaks to you — and our team will help you give it the best possible start.

📍 59 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ · Shop online