When I choose houseplants for my indoor garden from the broad palette of foliar designs and hues available, I’m reminded of flipping through fabric samples. Every time I come across calathea, I always do a double take at this stunning indoor foliage plant. As any fine fabric would do, calathea adds elegant beauty to the indoor garden.
Native to areas of Latin America, Calathea is commonly known as the peacock plant, because its foliage often features striping in dark and light green. The leaves vary in size depending on the variety and are generally oval-shaped.
To successfully grow calathea indoors, keep the following cultivation tips in mind.
Provide adequate light. Calathea comes from the floor of the jungle, so its delicate leaves can’t tolerate bright light. The plant does require proper lighting to stay healthy, though. For the best growth possible, place the plant in a medium light location, such as a couple of feet away from an eastern or southern window or in an unobstructed northern window. The plant also does well under full-spectrum lighting.
Avoid temperature extremes. As a plant of the jungle, calathea responds poorly to fluctuating temperatures. It does best between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing the plant near drafty conditions that produce temperature extremes, such as near heating or air-conditioning ducts or windows or doorways.
Give extra humidity. Replicate jungle conditions as much as possible by humidifying the air around calathea. This is especially important if you live in a dry climate. Misting with a fine spray of water helps, as well as placing the plant over a humidity tray and grouping your houseplants. The more plants you have indoors, the better, as plants humidify each other.
Water properly. Calathea soil should stay moist but not soggy spring through fall. In the winter months, let the top inch of soil dry out before watering. Always water with non-softened water that is warm. Cold water causes leaf spotting and can stunt the roots of calathea. Softened water is high in salt and will also damage the plant.
Mulch. Calathea responds well to a layer of mulch on the soil surface, such as shredded bark or moss. This keeps the soil moist and encourages healthy soil, which will ensure a healthy plant.
Fertilize regularly. Feed calathea monthly spring through fall with an organic, all-purpose fertilizer. This will keep the plant’s foliage vibrant and colorful.
Keep an eye out for pests. Calathea is susceptible to scale and spider mites. Scale insects are brown or gray bumps that resemble small shields. They attach themselves to leaves and stems and suck plant juices. Spider mites are tiny insect-like creatures that run around on the soil and plant. They also feed on foliage and may leave spider webs on the underside of leaves. Treat spider mites with insecticidal soap and prevent them by humidifying the plant. Scale insects can be controlled by applying neem oil.
Julie Bawden-Davis is a garden writer and master gardener, who since 1985 has written for publications such as Organic Gardening, Wildflower, Better Homes and Gardens and The Los Angeles Times. She is the author of seven books, including Reader’s Digest Flower Gardening, Fairy Gardening, The Strawberry Story, and Indoor Gardening the Organic Way, and is the founder of HealthyHouseplants.com.
