Plant Care – Calatheas: learn how to care for them and… get inspired

Its two-toned leaves, light green on top and purplish underneath, make the Calathea a very exotic plant, ideal for creating an atmosphere of joy and vitality in your home decor. It likes to move to better capture light and has the ability to purify the air. It can grow up to 1 meter.

Common Names Galatea, Peacock Plant, Rattlesnake Plant

Family Marantaceae

Origin Brazil and South America

Variety of species

Of the more than 150 existing species, we highlight the most popular:

Calathea Orbifolia, Calathea Zebrina, Calathea Lancifolia,

Calathea Rufibarba, Calathea Ornata, Calathea Roseopicta,

Calathea Warscewiczii, Calathea Setosa, Calathea Crocata

Main characteristics

How to care

Calathea needs some care to feel like it’s in its natural habitat, and for its unique leaves to look healthy and beautiful.

Light: Calatheas are not large plants; in their natural habitat, they live under other larger species. That’s why they prefer filtered light or partial shade, as their leaves are not prepared to receive direct sunlight.

Watering: Accustomed to a tropical climate, it’s important for Calathea to have moist soil, but not too much: in winter it should be watered at most once a week, and in summer whenever you see the soil is dry it’s time to water (the best way is to check with your finger if the soil is moist at 2-3 cm depth; remember that less water is always better than too much). Humidity, however, should be as high as possible. If you live in a dry environment, you should mist the leaves with water whenever you can and place it next to other plants. Use filtered or rainwater whenever possible.

Temperature: As a tropical plant, Calathea prefers moderate temperatures (between 15 and 23°C) without abrupt changes.

Pruning: Calathea only needs to be pruned when it has old or yellowing leaves.

Substrate: Moist soil is very important to keep Calathea healthy, so it needs a substrate rich in organic matter with good drainage, which can be achieved by mixing in some expanded clay.

© Horto do Campo Grande