Calathea

Calatheas are the glamorous divas of the houseplant world. Treat them like the VIPs they are, and they will give you a spectacular show! Here is their essential maintenance routine:

 The Martini Mix (Watering)

Calatheas are high society and do not tolerate tap water! The minerals will burn their leaf edges.

• The Rule: Only serve distilled, filtered, or rainwater at room temperature.

• The Schedule: Keep the soil consistently moist, like a wrung-out sponge—never soggy and never bone-dry. Water when the top inch of soil is just starting to feel dry.

 The VIP Section (Lighting)

These plants are used to the dappled light of the jungle floor. They hate the spotlight!

• The Rule: Place them in bright, indirect light. They will tolerate medium light, but their vibrant patterns shine best in bright spaces.

• The Warning: Never expose them to direct sun. It's the paparazzi of the plant world—it will scorch their leaves and fade their spectacular colors.

 The Spa Treatment (Humidity)

This is the Calathea's single biggest demand. They require high humidity to prevent those classic crispy brown edges.

• The Rule: Keep humidity above 50%, ideally higher.

• The Setup:

  1. Place your Calathea on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot is sitting on the pebbles, not in the water).

  2. Group them with other plants to create a mini moisture jungle.

  3. If you want true diva results, invest in a small humidifier nearby.

 The Dinner Menu (Feeding)

Calatheas are light eaters. Over-fertilizing is a common mistake.

• The Rule: Feed once a month during the growing season (Spring and Summer only).

• The Mix: Use a half-strength, balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. Skip feeding completely during Fall and Winter.

 The Prayer Dance (The Show)

Don't panic! Calatheas are known for their spectacular movement.

• The Show: They will naturally raise their leaves up at night (as if praying) and lower them during the day to absorb light. This is a sign of a happy, healthy plant!