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Plant care guide - Calathea
Calatheas, also called “Prayer plants” for their leaves that fold up at night, are prized for their striking foliage — from bold stripes and feathered patterns to deep purple undersides. They are beautiful but a bit more sensitive than average houseplants, needing steady humidity, soft water, and the right balance of light and moisture.
Safe for cats
Safe for dogs
At a glance
Light
Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist, never dry out completely.
Temperature
18–26 °C; dislikes drafts and cold.
Humidity
High (≥ 60%); essential for healthy leaves.
Difficulty
Moderate
Detailed care instructions
Light needs
Calatheas prefer bright, indirect light. Too little light dulls leaf colour, while direct sun can scorch leaves
- Place near an east- or north-facing window.
- Use sheer curtains if near a bright south-facing window (or place it several feet back).
- Do not place in direct sunlight.
- Do not keep it in very low light if you want strong patterns and colour.
Watering
Calatheas need consistent moisture and are sensitive to water quality.
- Use rainwater, filtered water, or distilled water whenever possible.
- Keep soil evenly moist (steady moisture).
- Water a bit less in winter when growth slows.
- Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
- Do not let the soil dry out completely.
- Do not use mineral-heavy or chlorinated tap water if it causes brown edges.
- Do not leave the plant in soggy soil.
Humidity & temperature
High humidity is essential; without it, leaves develop brown tips and edges. Calatheas also prefer stable warmth and dislike drafts and sudden changes.
- Keep humidity at 60 percent or higher.
- Use a humidifier or group plants together to raise humidity.
- Light misting with distilled water can help temporarily.
- Keep temperatures in 18 to 26 degrees Celsius.
- Protect from drafts and sudden temperature swings.
- Do not let humidity drop below the level needed for healthy leaves (brown tips are a common result)
- Do not rely on a pebble tray alone as the main solution (it helps locally but is less effective by itself).
- Do not expose the plant to temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius.
Fertilizer
Feed every 4 weeks in spring and summer with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer; pause in autumn and winter. Overfertilising can damage roots and leaf edges.
- Feed every 4 weeks in spring and summer.
- Use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Do not fertilise in autumn and winter.
- Do not overfertilise (it can damage roots and leaf edges).
Soil & repotting
Use a light, airy, peat-free mix with good drainage, enriched with compost or coco coir.
- Use a peat-free, well-draining potting mix that stays airy.
- Repot every 2 years or when roots fill the pot.
- Always use pots with drainage holes.
- Do not use heavy soil that holds water for too long (poor drainage).
- Do not use a pot without drainage holes.
Common problems
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Brown leaf edges or tips | Low humidity, or minerals in tap water | Switch to rainwater, filtered water, or distilled water, and raise humidity |
| Yellowing leaves | Overwatering or poor drainage | Check drainage and allow the topsoil to dry slightly before watering again |
| Curling leaves | Underwatering, low humidity, or too much direct light | Water thoroughly, move to lower light, and raise humidity |
| Faded or dull patterns | Insufficient light | Move closer to bright, indirect light |
| Pests (spider mites, mealybugs, scale) | Pest infestation | Wipe leaves with a damp cloth, rinse the plant, or use a mild soap solution; isolate the plant and let leaves dry before pets return |
