Care Calathea

This tropical houseplant is not difficult to care for, but do make sure you know the right care tips so you can enjoy your ‘living plant’ for a long time to come.

Best placement for the Calathea

The prayer plant prefers indirect light and grows best in a spot with bright but not direct sunlight. Too much sun can scorch the leaves, resulting in brown spots. A place near a north- or east-facing window is ideal, where the plant gets plenty of light without it being too intense. A spot with mostly light shade also suits the Calathea perfectly.

Watering the prayer plant

Calatheas love consistent moisture. It is important to keep the soil slightly moist, but never too wet. Water the plant 1-2 times a week, depending on the temperature and the humidity in your home. Let the top layer of soil dry out a little between waterings.

Good drainage in the pot is crucial to prevent root rot. Use rainwater or distilled water where possible, as the Calathea is sensitive to the salts and minerals in tap water.

Humidity and temperature

The Calathea originally comes from tropical rainforests and loves high humidity. Make sure the humidity in the room is at least 50%, especially in winter when the air is often drier because of the heating. You can achieve this by misting the plant regularly with a plant sprayer or by using a humidifier.

The ideal temperature for a Calathea is between 18-24°C. Avoid sudden temperature swings and do not place the plant near cold draughts or heating elements.

Prayer plant pot and soil

Calatheas prefer a well-draining soil that holds water without staying wet for too long. Use a light, airy potting soil that drains well while still offering stable moisture. This keeps the roots healthy and stops them from rotting because of too much moisture.

Feeding your Calathea

The Calathea has moderate nutritional needs. During the growing season (March to September) you can feed the plant monthly with diluted liquid houseplant nutrition. Dilute the fertiliser well with water to prevent overfeeding. Outside the growing season the plant does not need extra feeding, so you can skip this. During this period the Calathea is resting, which means it does not absorb the nutrients. Too much fertiliser can make the soil too acidic, which can harm the roots and the overall health of the plant.

Repotting the prayer plant: how and when?

Repot your Calathea every 1-2 years to give the roots enough room to grow. Choose a new pot that is 2-3 cm larger than the previous one, so the plant has enough space to grow without putting too much energy into root growth. Repot preferably in spring, when the plant is at its most active. During this period the plant also recovers more quickly.

Pruning the Calathea

Pruning is usually not necessary for the Calathea, but it is important to remove dead or damaged leaves. This keeps the plant looking neat and stops it from wasting energy on unhealthy or older leaves. Carefully cut damaged leaves off at the base.

Propagating the prayer plant

The Calathea can easily be propagated by splitting a root tuber or root ball while repotting. This is the best way to get a new plant. Make sure every new root ball has enough roots and stays well hydrated until it has rooted properly.

You can read a full explanation of repotting a Calathea in our blog.

Common problems with the Calathea

Like all other houseplants, the Calathea can occasionally suffer from a pest or ailment. Some common problems are:

Yellowing leaves: this can point to too much water, too much direct sunlight, or a nutrient deficiency.
Brown leaf tips: this is often caused by air that is too dry or by insufficient water.
Leaf loss: this can occur when the plant is adjusting to a new environment or when temperatures change suddenly.

Pay close attention to the signals from your plant and adjust your care to prevent these problems.