Calathea care sheet
Goeppertia · Fussy care · Pet-safe
Painted, patterned leaves that fold up at night. Gorgeous, but it wants humidity and soft water.
| Light | Medium, indirect light. No direct sun. |
|---|---|
| Water | When the top inch is dry, usually weekly. Keep evenly moist, never soggy. |
| Water type | Filtered, distilled or rain water. Tap water browns the edges. |
| Humidity | 50% or higher. |
| Temperature | 65°F to 80°F. Keep above 60°F and away from drafts. |
| Soil | Light, airy mix: potting soil, peat or coir, and perlite. |
| Fertilizer | Half strength monthly in spring and summer. |
| Pets | Non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
Where to water it
Pour water slowly onto the soil around the base, not over the leaves, until it runs out of the drainage holes. Empty the saucer after 15 minutes.
When: When the top inch is dry. Keep the soil lightly moist, never soggy.
Where to put it
Medium, indirect light in a humid spot. Bathrooms and grouped plant displays suit it.
Avoid these mistakes
- Tap water high in minerals, which browns edges
- Dry air from heating
- Direct sun, which fades the pattern
If something looks wrong
- Brown, crispy edges or tips: tap water chemicals, low humidity or underwatering.
- Curling leaves during the day: thirst or dry air. (Folding up at night is normal.)
- Yellow leaves: overwatering, or old lower leaves dying naturally.
- Faded pattern or brown patches: too much direct sun.
- Drooping stems: thirst, cold, or root rot if the soil is wet.
My Calathea care log
Last wateredNot logged yet
Next wateringEvery 6 days
Last fedNot logged yet
| Date | Watered | Fed | Notes | Remove |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing logged yet. Tap “Watered today” when you water. | ||||
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