Calathea: Varieties, Cultivation, Care

Botany

The Calathea belongs to the Marantaceae botanical family, just like the Maranta (prayer plant). This genus includes more than 275 species in the wild, with around 25 to 30 varieties commonly cultivated as houseplants, each distinguished by unique leaf patterns, colours and shapes.

Among the most frequently cultivated indoor species, you’ll find classics such as the Calathea makoyana, also called the “peacock plant”, which features broad leaves with patterns resembling bird feathers, the Calathea orbifolia, highly prized for its large, round leaves decorated with silver stripes, the Calathea ornata, with its pink-striped leaves resembling brush strokes, or the Calathea lancifolia (rattlesnake plant), recognisable by its long, undulate leaves with spotted patterns. You’ll also come across:

• Calathea roseopicta: Known for its round leaves with colourful patterns, often featuring pink hues, it has spawned numerous cultivars like Calathea ‘Medallion’, Calathea ‘Dottie’, ‘Flamestar’, ‘Rosy‘, ‘Triostar’ and ‘Surprisestar’.
• Calathea zebrina: Nicknamed “the zebra plant”, it features lance-shaped leaves with stripes reminiscent of a zebra’s.
• Calathea crocata: Also called “saffron calathea”, it is prized for its bright orange flowers, rare among Calatheas, which bloom in summer.
• Calathea insignis : Resembling the Calathea makoyana, it stands out with longer, narrower and undulate leaves, with a purple underside clearly visible thanks to its upright habit. It offers a tricolour display.
• Calathea warscewiczii : With its long, upright leaves veined in light green, it exudes an airy appearance. It may flower under ideal conditions, producing ivory then pink cones.
• Calathea leopardina : With its long, narrow cream leaves marked by very graphic green patterns reminiscent of wallpaper.

Calatheas encompass numerous species mainly distinguished by their foliage. Calathea roseopicta, Calathea zebrina, Calathea crocata with majestic orange flowers,Calathea insignis, Calathea warscewiczii and Calathea leopardina

Native to the tropical undergrowth of Central and South America, all thrive in warm, humid and shaded environments, mimicking the conditions of tropical forests where they naturally grow. The Calathea enjoys rich, well-drained soils where ambient humidity plays an essential role.

The Calathea stands out for its elegant, bushy habit, giving it a dense yet harmonious appearance. This herbaceous plant grows quite slowly in dense clumps, with leaves emerging directly from the base and renewing regularly. In pots, it typically measures between 30 and 80 cm in height, not exceeding 1 to 1.30 m in its natural habitat.

The Calathea has a rhizomatous root system that allows it to spread in the soil. This system is relatively shallow, making it suitable for wide rather than deep pots.

The evergreen foliage is the most remarkable characteristic of Calatheas. The leaves vary by species in their colours, patterns (marbled, spotted or striped) and textures. They often display complex designs with shades of green, white, pink, purple or silver. Calathea leaves average between 15 and 45 cm long and about 10 to 20 cm wide, although some species like Calathea orbifolia can produce more imposing leaves, reaching up to 50 cm in length.

The leaves are ovate or elliptical in shape, sometimes slightly elongated or pointed, with a smooth texture and generally satiny surface that subtly reflects light. The veins are well marked, highlighting the complex patterns, and their edges are sometimes undulate, as with Calathea lancifolia. Their underside is purple or burgundy. These leaves have the particularity of moving: they straighten or fold depending on light, a movement called nyctinasty. This natural leaf movement, which opens when the room lights up or rolls up like cigars in darkness, is not only aesthetic but also functional. The plant thus optimises its light exposure during the day and reduces moisture loss at night. This behaviour has earned it the nickname “prayer plant”, as the leaves appear to join like hands in meditation.

Although Calatheas are mainly grown for their foliage, they can produce flowers. These inflorescences, often discreet, are borne on short stems and usually take the form of small spikes or clusters of tubular flowers nestled beneath the leaves. They are white, cream, or sometimes pink, but their flowering indoors remains rare. In the wild, it is more frequent thanks to ideal heat and humidity conditions.

The Calathea is often considered an air-purifying indoor plant. Like many tropical plants, it helps purify the air by absorbing certain harmful substances such as formaldehyde, benzene or toluene, commonly found in furniture, paints or cleaning products.

The Calathea makoyana, also called Peacock plant, is probably the best-known and most cultivated species

Main species and varieties of peacock plants

How to plant a Calathea?

Where to Place a Calathea?

The Calathea thrives best in a bright room, but away from direct sunlight, as its delicate leaves may burn or fade under intense light. A spot near a north-facing window or filtered by sheer curtains, yet well-lit, is ideal. Since humidity is crucial, placing it in a bright bathroom or near a humidifier is advisable. A heated greenhouse or conservatory also perfectly recreates its natural conditions. Avoid draughts and temperature fluctuations, as the plant prefers stable, warm conditions. The Calathea retains its full beauty when kept at consistent temperatures around 20°C year-round. It’s therefore important to protect it from cold, especially in early autumn and late spring, to ensure its flourishing indoors. Keep the plant in a room where temperatures remain between 18 and 25°C, without sudden changes or draughts. It dislikes the cold, and temperatures below 15°C can be fatal.

The Calathea prefers a bright but filtered location (for example, behind a window with sheer curtains), as direct sunlight may scorch its leaves

When to Plant?

A Calathea can be planted throughout the year, provided it’s given suitable conditions. Since homes offer a controlled environment with generally stable, frost-free temperatures, there’s no restriction on when to introduce this plant.

How to Plant Calathea?

• Choose a pot around 13–18 cm in diameter and depth, slightly larger than the plant’s root ball, with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
• Add a layer of clay pebbles at the bottom to limit water stagnation.
• Plant in a slightly acidic substrate composed of one-quarter heather soil, quality houseplant compost, and a little coarse sand.
• Gently remove the plant from its original pot. If roots are tangled or compacted, tease them apart slightly with your fingers to encourage growth.
• Place the root ball in the centre of the new pot and adjust the height so the top sits just below the rim.
• Fill gaps around the root ball with the prepared compost, lightly firming to stabilise the plant without compacting too much.
• Water thoroughly after planting to moisten the substrate and help the plant settle. Allow excess water to drain and maintain consistent moisture thereafter, without waterlogging the soil.
• Position the Calathea in a bright spot, away from direct sunlight and draughts, while ensuring high ambient humidity.

Repot the Calathea in a suitably sized pot, slightly larger than the root ball

How to Care for Calathea?

Looking after your Calathea requires special attention to replicate its natural conditions and ensure its flourishing.

Keep the compost slightly moist, but not waterlogged. Water as soon as the surface of the compost begins to dry out, using non-calcareous water (such as rainwater or filtered water) at room temperature. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot:

• In summer: aim to water every 2 to 3 days.
• In winter: watering once every two weeks is generally sufficient.

The Calathea thrives in humid conditions, similar to those of tropical forests. Place a humidifier near the plant, regularly mist its leaves with soft water, or stand the pot on a tray filled with wet clay pebbles to increase ambient humidity.

Remember to water your Calathea regularly to keep the compost slightly moist

The Calathea doesn’t require specific pruning. Simply remove damaged or yellowing leaves regularly to promote the plant’s overall health and maintain its tidy appearance.

During the growth period, from spring to autumn, fertilise once a month with a liquid houseplant fertiliser, diluted by half to avoid mineral salt buildup. In winter, reduce or stop fertilising.

Wipe the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust, allowing the plant to breathe and absorb light more efficiently.

We recommend repotting your Calathea every one to two years into a slightly larger pot to refresh the compost and preserve its vitality.

Your Calathea will appreciate occasional misting of its foliage

Diseases and parasitic pests of Calathea

Calathea can be susceptible to certain diseases and pests when grown indoors, especially if conditions are not ideal. Among common issues are spider mite infestations, particularly frequent when the air is too dry. These tiny mites cause leaf yellowing and fine webs may appear on their surface. To naturally combat spider mites on a Calathea, it’s essential to increase humidity around the plant, as these mites thrive in dry environments. A simple solution is to regularly mist the leaves with soft water to deter them. In case of infestation, you can also prepare a natural mixture using black soap: dilute one tablespoon of black soap in one litre of lukewarm water, then spray this mixture on and under the leaves, where spider mites hide. To enhance effectiveness, add a few drops of neem essential oil to the mixture, known for its insecticidal properties. Also ensure to thoroughly clean the leaves with a damp cloth and increase ambient humidity using a humidifier or a tray of wet clay pebbles. This will make the environment less favourable for their return.

Scale insects, appearing as small white or brown bumps, can also settle on leaves and stems, weakening the plant. They can be manually removed using a cotton bud soaked in 70°C alcohol.

→ Read our articles to learn more about appropriate treatments: scale insects, spider mites.

Why do leaf edges turn brown?

Excess moisture in the soil or poor drainage can lead to root rot or fungi, causing brown or black spots on leaves. Calatheas may develop brown leaf edges when the air is too dry or watering is unsuitable. They require high ambient humidity, hence the importance of regularly misting the foliage and maintaining slightly moist soil without excess. Overwatering and poor drainage can also cause these stress signs. Also be sure to avoid fertiliser excess, which can cause leaf edge burns.

Botrytis, a grey mould, may also appear if the ambient air is too humid and poorly ventilated. Finally, inadequate lighting or watering can cause symptoms such as browning, curling or drying leaf edges.

Prevention remains the best solution: monitor humidity and ensure good room ventilation.

→ To learn more, read our article: “Calathea: Diseases, Common Problems and Pests“.

How to propagate a Calathea?

Calatheas cannot be propagated from cuttings, however you can divide the clumps in spring or early summer, when the plant is in full growth and more likely to recover after division.

• Water the plant thoroughly the day before to make it easier to remove the rootball and avoid stressing the roots.
• Carefully remove the Calathea from its pot to access its rootstocks and clumps. Take care not to damage the roots.
• Using your hands or a clean, disinfected knife, divide the rootball into several sections, each with at least a few leaves and a good root network.
• Plant each section in a new pot filled with a light, well-draining potting mix suitable for tropical plants. Ensure the collar (the base of the stems) remains just at soil level.
• Water the new plants lightly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
• Place them in a bright location, out of direct sunlight, and maintain high humidity to encourage recovery.
• For the first few weeks, keep the growing medium slightly moist and ensure the plant doesn’t experience sudden changes in light or temperature.

The green touch indoors with the calathea

The Calathea is a versatile plant that adds an exotic and refined touch to any interior. With its graphic and colourful foliage, it brightens up a living room, bedroom or even a well-lit bathroom. Place it in a stylish ceramic or wicker pot, or in a planter with natural tones to enhance its tropical appeal.

On a sideboard, console table or even on the floor in a large pot, it pairs perfectly with modern, bohemian or Scandinavian styles. Combine it with other plants featuring more subdued foliage to highlight its patterns, or group several varieties together to create a jungle corner with tropical plants like Monsteras or Philodendrons.

For a striking effect, display the Calathea in a designer planter alongside other decorative-leaved houseplants