Calatheas Colours aglore: Hard to maintain but worth the effort

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Calatheas are tropical plants which are popularly grown as houseplants because of their property to thrive in low light and their striking foliage. The Calathea veitchiana ‘Medallion’, Calathea lancifolia, and the Calathea ornata are the most popular ones. They can be slightly finicky and attention-seeking, so plant parents who love to spend time observing and pampering their plants should definitely get their hands on this beauty.

Why will you love it?

Native to tropical America, they come in so many different varieties that one can have a beautiful Calathea jungle, each variety’s leaf variegated differently.

Bright or dim?

Calatheas prefer indirect light. Keep the prayer plants away from direct light or bright windows, or they’ll curl up their pretty leaves.

Where to place it?

A shady room, with indirect light seeping through curtains is ideal. They also like to thrive in humidity. Try to provide ample humidity by placing a humidifier in the room or by placing the potted plant on top of a saucer filled with pebbles.

How to be a good Calathea parent?

Calatheas need to be watered such that the soil is always slightly moist. If not, the plant responds by curling or browning of leaves. Watering can be reduced during winters to about once or twice a week.

Trivias of the plant:

Calatheas can be propagated by division. If you think your plant has outgrown its pot, remove the root ball and divide it into sections using pruning scissors. Plant into separate pots and water lightly.