Calathea

Calathea is a popular houseplant known for its attractive foliage and unique patterns. It belongs to the Marantaceae family and is native to the tropical regions of America.

Calathea has large, oval-shaped leaves that are variegated with patterns of different colors and shapes. The plant grows up to 2-3 feet tall and has a spread of 2-3 feet. It produces small white or yellow flowers, which are insignificant and typically hidden by the foliage.

Care Instructions:

Light:

• Calathea prefers bright, indirect light, and can tolerate some shade.
• Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.

Water:

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
• Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant.

Humidity:

• Calathea prefers high humidity, so mist the plant regularly or place it on a pebble tray filled with water.
• You can also group it with other plants to create a humid microclimate.

Temperature:

• Calathea prefers temperatures between 18-28°C.
• Keep the plant away from drafts, as it is sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

Soil:

• Calathea prefers well-draining, moist soil.
• Use a potting mix that contains peat moss or coco coir.

Fertilizer:

• Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
• Do not fertilize during the winter months.

Propagation:

• Calathea can be propagated through division or stem cuttings.
• Division should be done during repotting, while stem cuttings can be taken during the growing season.

Pests and problems:

• Calathea is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.
• Yellowing or browning of leaves may indicate overwatering or underwatering.
• Brown edges on leaves may indicate low humidity or exposure to direct sunlight.