🌱 Calathea / Goeppertia – General Care Guide
Quick ID
Type: Tropical, rhizomatous plant
Highlight: Ornate patterned leaves that fold up at night ("prayer plant" movement)
Size: Dwarf types ~20 cm +
🌡 Temperature & Humidity
Temperature: 18–28 °C is ideal. Below 15 °C can damage leaves.
Humidity: Needs 60–80% for perfect foliage. Below 40% = crispy edges.
💡 Light
Bright, indirect light is best.
Too little light = dull colors and slow growth.
Too much direct sun = scorched or faded leaves.
East-facing windows or filtered grow lights are ideal indoors.
💧 Watering
Evenly moist, never soggy.
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry.
Use filtered, rain, or distilled water — sensitive to chlorine and salts.
🌱 Soil & Potting
Needs a loose, moisture-retentive but well-draining mix:
40% peat or coco coir
30% perlite or pumice
20% fine bark
10% charcoal for freshness
Repot every 12–18 months to refresh mix.
🍽 Feeding
Light feeders — ¼-strength balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer.
Avoid overfertilizing to prevent leaf burn.
✂ Maintenance
Remove yellow or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy.
Rotate weekly for even growth.
Clean leaves monthly with a damp cloth to keep pores open.
⚠ Common Problems
Symptom
Likely Cause
Solution
Crispy brown edges
Low humidity or fluoride in water
Increase humidity; switch to filtered/rain water
Yellowing leaves
Overwatering or compact soil
Improve drainage and let topsoil dry slightly
Faded or dull patterns
Too little light
Move to brighter filtered light
Curling leaves
Underwatering or too much direct sun
Adjust watering and placement
Special Notes for Different Setups
1️⃣ Closed Terrariums
Thrives in stable high humidity (70–90%).
Use a well-draining base layer (LECA or gravel) under soil to avoid root rot.
Occasional venting helps prevent mold.
Dwarf types like Calathea musaica, Calathea compact star, or C. makoyana are perfect.
2️⃣ Home Environment (Potted)
Use pebble trays, room humidifiers, or group plants to boost humidity.
Keep out of cold drafts from aircons or heaters.
Rotate pot weekly for balanced growth.
3️⃣ Kokedama
Use a moisture-holding but airy mix inside the moss ball.
Dip ball in water for 10–15 minutes when it feels light.
Mist frequently to maintain humidity, especially in dry indoor conditions.
Works best with smaller cultivars like C. lancifolia or C. roseopicta dwarf forms.