Let's be real here. The Calathea is a difficult one in terms of care. It needs constant humidity and warmth. Here are the most common issues you'll experience with plants in the maranta and prayer plant families.

What causes Calatheas’ leaves to curl?

Calatheas are humidity-loving, tropical plants. In fact, while this plant is generally easy to care for, it often requires multiple waterings a week (or more in the summer!) to give it the proper moisture that it craves. In most cases, Calatheas’ leaves curl when their soil is excessively dry, though there could be a few other minor reasons that are causing your plant’s leaves to curl.

How to fix curling leaves on a Calathea

Easy! Give it a good drink of water—but from the bottom up. Soak your plant in water by placing it in a deep dish, bowl, sink or bathtub with a few inches of water. You may leave it soaking anywhere from a few hours to 24 hours. After a day or so, you will see how the leaves magically unfurl!

This method of deep watering is called “bottom watering” and Calatheas aren’t the only plants who love it! Learn more about the benefits of bottom watering here.

Water Quality

If you’ve thoroughly soaked your Calathea but it’s still showing signs of curling leaves, consider using filtered water. Tap water often contains salts, chlorine, minerals, and fluoride, which can accumulate in the soil and lead to leaf tip burning, browning, and curling. To address this, try using filtered water or letting your tap water sit in an open container or sink overnight to reduce chlorine content.

Temperature & Humidity

Since the Calathea is a tropical plant, it thrives in high humidity. If your environment lacks humidity, you can increase it by misting the leaves regularly, using a pebble tray, or placing a humidifier nearby.

Temperature is also essential for your Calathea's well-being. Ensure that it is not placed in a drafty area or exposed to heating and cooling vents. Cold temperatures or excessive dryness from constant warm airflow can also cause the leaves to curl.

Other problems with Calatheas

Calatheas can show a few different signs of distress:

Brown Edges

Brown edges appear when the air is too dry for your plant. Add misting to your watering routine or keep it on a bed of rocks and shallow water to add humidity. You can also trim the leaves, either removing the entire leaf at the stem’s base, or trimming the leaf itself, following the natural shape to get the plant and/or its leaves looking sharp again!

Droopy Leaves

Tour plant is getting too much water. Allow the soil to air out or change the soil completely to decrease chances of root rot. 

Ready for more? Read our full guide on Calathea care, including tips for propagation, repotting, and more.

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Are you ready to care for your very own Calathea?

With their ethereal beauty and deeply colored foliage, Calatheas are beloved for the spellbinding presence that they bring to any space. 

They also have a special quality, known as nyctinasty: their sensitive leaves move in reaction to the light they receive. In the evening, they turn their leaves up, and during daylight hours, they lower them in a beautiful Calathea sun salutation. This behavior is why they’re lovingly referred to as Prayer Plants.

But like any goddess accustomed to being adored, Calatheas appreciate care and consideration. Praise them as you should, and they’ll flourish for years to come. Just follow these 10 commandments! 

1. Lighting requirements for Calatheas

2. Humidity requirements for Calatheas

3. A note on A/C and heating

4. Temperature requirements for Calatheas

5. Fertilizing your Calathea

6. Tips and tricks for watering

7. Pruning unattractive leaves

8. Common problems that may arise

9. Repotting your Calathea

10. Grouping other plants with the Calathea

1. Give Them the Lighting They Love 

Your Calathea does not want a sunburn. Ensure that it receives indirect light- medium is best, but low light can be well-tolerated- without exposing your plant to the sun’s direct harsh rays. When in doubt, picture your Calathea in its native habitat: a moist, humid rainforest. The light is filtered by a thick canopy of trees, and the air is heavy with mist. These are the conditions that Calatheas love. So don’t be afraid to keep her in the bathroom!

2. Like all of us, Calatheas Need the Occasional Spa Day 

A Native of Brazil, the Calathea appreciates a humid environment which can be difficult to create in indoor spaces. So plan on misting your Calathea regularly (once a week is ideal) to ensure it receives the moisture it craves. Misting is also a great way of interacting with your Calathea and keeping yourself busy without overwatering it, a common mistake that can cause damage that is difficult to undo!

3. Keep Your Calathea Away From Dry Breezes and Appliances

Calatheas are sensitive to even small changes in their environment. Because of this, it’s best to keep them away from vents, air conditioners or heaters, and doors that are frequently opened and closed. 

4. A Steady Temperature Is A Must

Seasons change, but your Calatheas should never have to feel a significant temperature shift. Keep these tropical plants comfortable by ensuring a steady temperature within the range of 65-80 degrees year-round, and your Calathea will thank you for it! 

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5. Fertilize Your Calathea With Care- and Only During Its Growing Seasons

Calatheas do not need to be fertilized during the winter months, but once Spring arrives, your Calathea will appreciate a monthly dose of foliar plant food like our Foliar Feed, or another gentle fertilizer. This feeding schedule can be continued through the Summer and Fall. 

You may feel the urge to feed your Calathea during the slow winter months, but remember that these plants do not grow nearly as much during the cold season and require less food and water during this time. Over-fertilizing has consequences, so be mindful of the particular needs of this delicate and beautiful plant variety.

6. Give Your Calathea A Long Drink of Water

If you notice that your Calathea’s leaves are curling inward and appear dry, your plant may be signaling that it is under-watered. You can give your Calathea a long drink by removing your plant from its ceramic planter, while keeping it in its plastic nursery pot, and placing it in a sink or bowl. Water the Calathea thoroughly and allow it to sit in the collected water for a few hours. Its roots will drink up exactly as much water as they need. After a few hours, remove your Calathea from the sink or bowl and allow it to drain. Your Calathea should show signs of improving health within a day.

7. Prune Unhealthy Leaves 

It’s normal to feel trepidation about pruning (cutting leaves or stems off of your plant.) However, it’s actually great to get in the practice of pruning your plants because pruning offers so many benefits to the plant’s overall health. All plants will grow over time if they receive the light and water that they need, and all plants will experience occasional dying leaves. It’s just part of life! 

Don’t be afraid to prune off leaves of your Calathea that appear dead or mostly dead. You can simply cut them with scissors or pruning shears at the spot where they meet the stem or base of the plant. If your Calathea’s leaf has only one area of browning, you can trim the brown area off by following the natural curve of the leaf with scissors. If you need a little more guidance, head here for a full step-by-step guide to pruning houseplants.

8. As With All Living Things, Patience is Key!

Calatheas are known for being fussy plants. Like many indoor plants, they’re native to very moist and tropical locations that are a world away from most of our home environments. Your Calathea may experience leaf drop, browning or other growing pains- especially as it becomes accustomed to a new home. 

The flip side, of course, (and it’s so worth it!) is that it will also generate new growth and adorn your home with beauty in the months and years to come. So be patient as your Calathea settles in, and take time to give her special care. She may be a diva, but it’s all part of what makes her a beautiful and unique plant. 

9. Don’t Be Afraid to Repot

As with pruning, repotting can feel like a daunting responsibility, and one that you might rather avoid. That being said, there are tremendous benefits to repotting your Calathea every year or two. 

Over time, soil loses its nutrients- they’re used up by the plants to keep them growing healthy and strong. Repotting is a great opportunity to replace some of that old soil with new, nutrient-rich soil for your Calathea to enjoy. Repotting your Calathea in a larger pot also ensures that your plant has the space to spread out and push out new growth! First time repotting? See our full guide to learn how to repot your plant.

10. Introduce the Company of Friends

Did you know that plants love to be grouped together? By arranging your houseplants close to one another, they create a mini-biome of moisture that can benefit them all. Grouping your plants together also makes it easier to remember to water, feed and pamper them! Just remember to be sure that the plants you’re grouping together will thrive in the conditions of the space, and that their light and water requirements align. 

Consider the rule of three: groupings of three plants in one space are aesthetically harmonious and easy to tend to- especially if you keep your mister and watering can right by them. (The House of Botanicals Watering Can, for instance, contains a mister and watering spout in one, and it’s so pretty that it functions as decor!) 

Every new plant is a new adventure, and Calatheas are no exception. 

They’re gorgeous, spiritual and have a vibrant history of varied uses. So embrace your Calathea, and don’t forget that there’s a wealth of information available to support you on your journey right here. 

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It’s normal to feel nervous when you first implement your new plant’s watering routine, and this can be especially true with the beautiful Calathea. The last thing anyone wants to do is cause this enchanting plant undue stress! 

But breathe a sigh of relief, because our Ultimate Guide is exactly the resource you need to take the mystery out of the ever-mysterious Calathea’s care routine!

How to water your Calathea

Learn to Test the Soil by Touch 

We know that the beautiful bed of moss that blankets your Calathea’s soil looks perfect the way it is- but don’t be afraid to lift it up! (You can pat it right back down after, and it will still look gorgeous.) 

Using your finger to test the dryness of the top one to two inches of soil is a great way to determine the watering needs of your Calathea. In any environment, conditions are changeable: Winter turns to Spring; heaters are cranked then turned off entirely as seasons change. All of these things affect the watering needs of your plants, so going by touch can be preferable to simply following “Once a week”-style guidance.

You will learn to trust yourself as a plant parent, and cultivate your green thumb, by getting down and dirty with your plant. 

Once or twice a week, probe your Calathea’s soil with your finger. If the top inch of soil feels like it is getting dry, go ahead and water your Calathea. 

The Many Marvels of Misting 

There’s so much to love about misting- and not only for those of us who can’t get enough of cute accessories! 

Calatheas are native to humid jungles, so they love a good misting, and appreciate being misted every few days.

Consider using lukewarm water when misting, or even leaving a bowl of water out overnight before misting your plants with it. Allowing the water to rest will cause its harsh minerals to evaporate. 

Another benefit of misting is that it gives you a way of interacting with your plant, without the risk of overwatering it- which is by far the most common plant parent mistake and can result in serious health issues for your plant, including the dreaded brown leaves that too often occur.

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Bottoms Up! 

We all know that plants use their roots to drink, but did you know that those roots can function as straws, sucking up just the right amount of water to perk your Calathea up?

You can hydrate your Calathea by allowing it to soak. Remove your Calathea from its ceramic pot, but keep it in its plastic nursery planter. 

Then, place your Calathea in a bowl or sink filled with three to four inches of lukewarm water. Let the Calathea soak for about 45 minutes before testing its soil by touch. (By now, you know exactly what to look for!)

If the soil feels moist, your plant is good to go! Allow it to drain entirely before replacing it in its ceramic pot.

Overwatered? Give it a rest! 

Overwatering any plant can feel heartbreaking. But there are solutions, although recovery will take time. Here are two options for rehabbing your overwatered Calathea: 

• The True Beginner Method

Take your Calathea out of its ceramic pot, but leave it in its plastic nursery planter. If any water has collected in the ceramic pot, dump it now! Move your plant to a warm spot with medium to bright indirect light, and allow it to dry until moist before returning it to its ceramic pot. 

• The Practiced Plant Parent Method 

Lay out newspapers in a spot that receives medium to bright indirect light. Once you have those set out, remove your Calathea from both its ceramic pot and its plastic nursery pot. Allow it to rest on the newspapers, roots and all! 

The newspapers will likely soak, so replace them as they fully saturate, until your Calathea stops draining excess water. Then return your Calathea to its plastic nursery pot, and allow it to dry until moist before returning it to its ceramic pot. 

And there you have it! If you’re a Calathea lover (and who isn’t!) these steps will serve you well. So go ahead- add a Calathea to your growing plant family with confidence! 

Ready for more? Read our full guide on Calathea care, including tips for propagation, repotting, and more.

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Calatheas are among the most gorgeous plant families: with deep coloration and beautifully patterned foliage, they boast breathtaking leaf variegation. They also bring a party trick that you don’t see from every plant on the market: movement. Their foliage reaches and folds in accordance with the location of the sun throughout the day. With all of these charming attributes, it stands to reason that you want to buy one of your own! But there are a few things to know about Calatheas before you take the plunge. So read on, because it’s all here!

What Are The Most Popular Calathea Varieties?

The Calathea Medallion (Calathea Roseopicta), Rattlesnake Calathea (Calathea Lancifolia), and Peacock Plant (Calathea Makoyana) are among the most popular Calatheas for indoor spaces. And they have a few things in common: gorgeous emerald and cabernet variegation, leaves that sway with the sun, and the designation of Prayer Plant. 

A Calathea Rattlesnake practicing nyctinasty during the day (right) and at night (left)

Why Are Calatheas Called “Prayer Plants”?

Calatheas are also known as Prayer Plants because of a unique evolutionary behavior common to this plant family, called nyctinasty. A strange word, we know! But there’s a simple explanation. Nyctinasty is the behavior through Calatheas lift and drop their leaves in relation to the cycle of day and night. (It all comes down to sunlight, of course!) During the darker hours, the leaves of a Calathea point upwards, as if in prayer. And during the day, their leaves drop down, allowing the foliage’s surface area to soak in as much light as possible. Voila: Prayer Plants!

Do Calatheas Need A Lot Of Water?

Calatheas are easy-going when it comes to water: they simply like to be kept consistently moist. It’s important that your Calathea’s soil be neither soaking wet nor dry as a bone. Plan on gauging the soil’s moisture every few days to ensure that it maintains a consistent degree of moisture. 

Do Calatheas Need A Lot Of Light? 

You may be relieved to hear that Calatheas do not require a ton of light. Also known as “Shadow Plants”, Calatheas are native to the dense jungles of South America, where they grow on the forest floor and receive only dappled sun. And because Calatheas have very sensitive leaves, it is actually very important to keep them away from strong rays of direct sunlight. The best spot for a Calathea will be one where they receive medium to bright indirect light.

Calatheas Love Humidity

Calatheas thrive in a humid environment. They’re native to rainforests, after all. Humidity can be boosted by placing a humidifier close to your plant, placing your Calathea’s pot on a pebble humidity tray, or grouping several Calatheas closely together, which supports a mini-biome of moisture.

Boost Your Calathea’s Water With A Simple Trick

Most indoor plants do just fine with water from the tap, but when it comes to Calatheas, you may find that tap water is a bit too harsh for your plant. Calatheas are sensitive to minerals and chemicals in water, so “hard” water (water with a high mineral content) can be rough on your plant. The good news? You can neutralize hard water by simply leaving it out overnight. That’s right: just fill up your watering can, leave it to sit overnight, and the chlorine in the water will evaporate. If you have a water filter, you can also exclusively use filtered water for your Calathea.

…But Mist Your Calathea With Care

Most plants adore a good misting, and Calatheas like a fine mist, too- but not on the tops of their leaves. Think of Calatheas as the butterflies of the plant world. The things that make them so gorgeous (their leaves, of course) are exceptionally delicate. In other words, look, don’t touch! If  you want to mist your Calathea, mist it from the bottom up, spraying the undersides rather than the tops of the plant’s leaves. And don’t mist everyday- spotting can occur when Calatheas are over-misted. In general, a humidifier or pebble humidity try is a safer bet for these delicate divas.

Calatheas Have A Colorful Reputation

Calatheas are, inarguably, the belles of the ball. But they are also particular: they are choosy and vulnerable to environmental changes. If you’re looking to buy a Calathea for a loved one as a gift, it is worth considering their familiarity with plant care. Calatheas are exceptionally beautiful plants, but they are not entirely low-maintenance, and it is unusual for them to maintain a uniformly pristine appearance at all times. They’re wild, full of personality, and they go their own way. These reasons are exactly why they’re passionately adored by plant aficionados- but they are also things to consider before buying one for yourself or as a gift. If you’re looking for a “Set It And Forget It” plant, you might prefer another variety, like a Pothos or Parlor Palm. 

How to select a thriving, gorgeous Calathea

Once you’ve fallen in love with the Calathea family, there’s no turning back! But there are a few things to look for as you get ready to buy. When you shop for your new Prayer Plant, inspect its foliage carefully. Healthy Calathea foliage will be richly colored and will not have brown or yellowing edges. Its leaves should be vibrant and firm, and its stems should have good posture and a healthy texture. Its soil should not be entirely dry, nor soaking wet. And its grow pot should have a draining hole. This is imperative to avoid root rot. 

Avoid purchasing your Calathea from a garden center

This golden rule has never been more important than when you’re shopping for a new Calathea. At this point, you’re well aware that Prayer Plants are incredibly beautiful, and also that they’re more sensitive than many other indoor plant varieties. Now it’s time for you to be choosy: only buy a Calathea from a trusted, premium grower rather than a garden center or home improvement store.

There are so many reasons that this is important, but we’ll touch on just a few. Remember how Calatheas need to be misted on only the underside of their leaves? The odds are that if you buy your new Prayer Plant from a garden center, it’s been blasted unceremoniously by a hose, and more than once. 

Garden centers often offer attractively low prices, but there are reasons that they are able to do so. Namely, they do not purchase premium plants (which, naturally, cost a premium price). Additionally, they often care for their plants with a one-size-fits-all approach. And as you’re now well-aware, Calatheas do not like to be treated like everyone else.

You simply can’t know how a garden center has watered your Calathea, what products it has been treated with, or how it has been cared for. And once you’ve bought it, you still have to overcome the logistics of bringing it home. 

Transportation is tricky for all living plants, but with Calatheas, extra care is imperative. Driving a new Calathea home in your vehicle is more of a recipe for disaster than success, and can result in structural damage, leaf fall, and stress that may manifest overtime. Like many other tropical plants, Calatheas are also vulnerable to stress caused by forced air (either cold or warm) from a car’s A.C. or vents. 

As you start your journey of Calathea love, begin on the right foot by buying your Prayer Plant from a premium supplier that offers doorstep delivery, or ships Calatheas in packaging that is specifically engineered for their protection.  When you make the choice to buy your plant from a trusted supplier, you can rest easy knowing that they are experts in their field. Careful transport and plant care that is tailored to your plant’s species is the key to a healthy plant.

Even the healthiest Calathea can experience stress from time to time

Chances are, you’ll have some questions about your Calathea from time to time. After all, they’re magical, mysterious and yes, divas. We’ve got you covered: every plant purchased from Léon & George includes lifetime access to our Plant Doctor service: a team of horticulturalists with decades of experience growing and caring for plants. The Plant Doctor team is here to assess your plant’s health and growth, provide tips and treatment plans, and to offer supportive guidance as you care for your plant. There are no fees required- the Plant Doctor service is just one of many ways we ensure that every plant we sell is designed to thrive.

We’ve compiled a list of common problems that Calatheas can face, as well as helpful guidance for assessing your plant’s health. Informed and impassioned plant parents are the key to our success! Click here to learn more about how to care for and grow your Calathea. 

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Léon & George

A gorgeous Prayer Plant with variegated, curly leaves in shades of merlot and deep green, the Calathea Rattlesnake is a stunningly vibrant indoor variety that’s perfect for tabletop placement. Ideal for spaces that receive medium to bright indirect light.

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How to keep your cats out of your plants

Any cat owner knows the trials and tribulations that come with wanting a home that’s both feline and flora friendly. Cats are infamously curious, and unfortunately, houseplants are of high interest to our feline friends. One of our co-founders is a cat (Léon, of Léon & George!), so we know firsthand how difficult it can be.

Luckily, there are a handful of natural solutions for keeping cats off plants. Of course, you may consider only non-toxic plants that are safe for cats to nibble on just in case, but keep in mind that most common houseplants considered “toxic” are only mildly so and will rarely cause any real harm to your pet.

Citrus

Cats don't love the smell of citrus. Make your plant smell "bad" to your pets (and good to you!) by misting it with lemon juice diluted in water. Similarly, try leaving a few lemon or orange peels on top of the soil.

Vinegar

The smell of vinegar is also a great deterrent for cats. Vinegar is too acidic to spray directly on the plant, but try cleaning the ceramic pot with a vinegar solution every few weeks to keep curious pets at bay.

Decorative rocks

Deter digging with decorative rocks or stones atop the soil of your plants. These come in all sizes, shapes and colors, and finding something that's also aesthetically pleasing should be easy!

Wondering how to keep cats out of your garden? Check out these tips here.

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The Calathea

Part of the prayer plant family, the stunning Calathea is arguably one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful creations. With seemingly painted on leaves with brushstrokes of deep green and fuschia tones, prayer plants as they’re often called are known not just for their variegated beauty but also for their movement: their leaves rise and fall throughout the day in response to the light they receive. But though this plant is an increasingly popular choice, it remains a relatively high-maintenance houseplant and requires a bit of extra TLC to keep those leaves perky and shining. Read on to find a comprehensive guide to Calathea care over time.

What type of light do Calatheas need?

In their natural habitat, Calatheas grow in shady tropical areas. A such, they prefer medium to bright indirect light and will scorch in direct sunlight.

How to water your Calathea

Keep the soil evenly moist, never allowing it to completely dry out but also taking care not let the plant become oversaturated or waterlogged. Read our Ultimate Guide to watering the Calathea for tips and tricks.

How fast do Calatheas grow?

In prime conditions, this plant grows relatively fast and can reach up to two feet in height. Fertilize your plant 1-2 times per month in the spring and summer with indoor plant food, or foliar feed year round.

Common problems with Calathea Plants

How to maintain a beautiful and healthy Calathea

Take care of your Calathea and it will take care of you! Below are simple tips to continue caring for and growing your plant over time.

Pruning Your Calathea

To keep your plant healthy and strong, you may trim older or unhappy looking leaves. If there is just a small portion of a leaf that was damaged (due to underwatering, overwatering, etc), you can trim the leaf following the natural shape of the leaf.

Cleaning Your Plant

Take each leaf between two soft tissue cloths and wipe off the top to reveal a healthy shine (also helps the plant soak in more light!).

How to repot the Calathea

It is a good idea to repot your calathea once every year or every other year to give it fresh soil and nutrients.

• When to repot - Once a year or every other year.

• Pot sizing - if you want your plant to grow wider, find a nursery pot that’s 2” in diameter larger than the current pot. If you want your plant to stay the same size, you can reuse the same pot and simply change the soil.

• Get your hands dirty - spread out newspaper on the floor, remove the plant from the pot and shake off as much of the old soil as possible so that you have clean roots. Place the plant in the center of the pot, add new soil and pat down firmly. Water the soil thoroughly and place the plant in an area with bright indirect light. Your plant will take 2-4 weeks to settle from the shock and adjust to its new home.

How to propagate a Calathea

The best way to propagate your plant is through division.

• Divide the roots - When repotting, determine which areas you will divide to create new plants. Carefully untangle the roots with your hands.

• Place in fresh soil - Place the new divisions in fresh soil and water thoroughly. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy-- it may take 2-4 weeks for your plant to settle from the shock and adjust to its new home

Illustrations by our talented plant stylist, Kailie Barnes.

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Calathea Medallion

A stunning prayer plant with a deep color palette of leaves painted by nature.

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What causes brown edges on Calathea leaves?

Calatheas have expressive leaves. They engage in a type of circadian rhythmic movement known as nyctinasty: this means that their sensitive leaves move in reaction to the light they receive. In the evening, they turn their leaves up, and during daylight hours, those same leaves are lowered.

As you might imagine, plants with sensory skills like these can also be delicate, with a preference for specific conditions. When it comes to Calatheas, this can mean that if the water, light, soil or food that your plant receives isn’t just right, the plant may respond with something all plant owners dread: browning leaf edges. 

But not to worry! In keeping with our commitment to providing the best resources available for indoor plant owners online, we’ve got solutions! Read on, and let us take the mystery out of Calathea care.

Incorrect Lighting

A Sunburn? Not For Me, Thank You. Never forget that Calatheas need indirect light. They’re no desert darlings, and they must not be placed directly in front of windows or below skylights. Plan on making a home for your Calathea in an area that receives steady, indirect light and plenty of moisture. (Yes, this plant is a perfect bathroom buddy!) 

Water Quality

Calatheas would prefer to receive the quality of water that they get in their native environments (moist rainforests in South America and Southeast Asia). On the off chance that you happen to live in a jungle, this shouldn’t be a problem. But for the rest of us, we have to rely on some more urbane life hacks. 

The hard minerals in your water like chlorine, salt and fluoride can be harsh for indoor plants like Calatheas. If you have a water filtration system, it’s a great idea to use it to filter your water before watering your plant. Another hack is to simply leave your water out to “breathe” in a bowl or the kitchen sink overnight before watering your Calathea with it. This gives the water time for the fluoride to dissipate (evaporate,) which occurs when it meets oxygen. 

Lack of Humidity

Plan on misting your Calathea at least once weekly and consider keeping your plant in a part of your home that receives regular moisture like the bathroom or kitchen. You can also place your Calathea near a humidifier and reap the double-benefits of the humidifier softening your air while your Calathea purifies it! Need a mister? Look no further: this one is beautiful, sustainable and has components for both misting and watering!

Dry Is Good for Humor and Martinis; Not So Good for Calathea Soil

Once again we come back to your lovely Calathea’s homeland: a moist and fertile rainforest, burgeoning with life! Recreate that magic by ensuring that your Calathea’s soil is consistently moist. It’s not as hard as it sounds! Regularly delve one to two inches into your Calathea’s soil with your pointer finger. If the topsoil feels dry, water your plant. If it’s still moist, you can wait. For most indoor environments, this means watering about 1-2 times a week.

Too-cold temperatures

Let’s be clear- your Calathea is a tropical plant, and like a Floridian retiree, she prizes a pleasant climate. Keep her away from drafts, heaters or cooling vents. (The rush and push of air circulating through appliances will only irritate your plant.) 

Expect to see the dreaded curling if your Calathea grows cold or excessively dry. Keep your room temperature between 65-80 degrees consistently, and your Calathea’s leaves will practice their graceful nyctinasty in peace! 

Keeping Your Calathea Happy

Indoor plant care can be tricky. Over or under-watering? Too much sun, or not enough of it? When your Calathea exhibits signs of browning, it’s not always easy to pinpoint the cause.

Remember these simple words of wisdom: 

• Don’t drown your plant. Overwatering is by far the most common cause of ill health in indoor plants, Calatheas included.

• No sunburns allowed. No plant wants its leaves to burn, and the tropical Calathea prefers indirect light only.

• Humidity, humidity.  Make sure that this Queen of the Rainforest is receiving… well, her rain. Misting is a gift to your Calathea, and you may find it surprisingly meditative for you, too! 

In the meantime and while you make adjustments for its comfort, don't be afraid to give it a makeover. Trimming is completely safe and allows your plant to redirect more energy to new growth. Here are a few simple tips as you prepare those scissors:

• Check that the blades are clean or disinfect them with rubbing alcohol.

• Trim off whole leaves as close to the root as possible.

• For leaves with just a bit of brown edges, reshape them by following the leaf's natural lines.

Now get out there and give your plant some love!

Ready for more? Read our full guide on Calathea care, including tips for propagation, repotting, and more.

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Indoor plants, potted & delivered

Premium plants paired with stylish ceramics, plus lifetime plant care support. Order online at leonandgeorge.com

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