21 Stunning Calathea Varieties You Will Love – Plus Care Guide
Calatheas are a genus of flowering plants in the Marantaceae family, native to tropical regions of the Americas. They are prized for their beautiful foliage, which comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Calatheas are also relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginner plant enthusiasts.
In this article, we will explore 21 stunning calathea varieties, along with tips on how to care for them.
So whether you are looking for a new addition to your indoor plant collection or you are simply curious about these beautiful plants, read on! We will also discuss the different types of calatheas, their unique features, and where they are native to..
10 Calathea Varieties That Will Brighten Your Home
10 Calathea Varieties That Will Brighten Your Home
- Calathea orbifolia
- Calathea roseopicta
- Calathea makoyana
- Calathea rufibarba
- Calathea zebrina
- Calathea lancifolia
- Calathea warscewiczii
- Calathea lietzei
- Calathea majestica
- Calathea louisae
Calatheas are a genus of flowering plants in the family Marantaceae, native to tropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. They are popular houseplants due to their beautiful foliage and relatively easy care.
Calatheas are known for their unique leaves, which are often variegated with different colors and patterns. They also have a habit of ”praying” at night, folding their leaves up in a characteristic way.
Calatheas are relatively easy to care for, but they do have some specific requirements. They need bright, indirect light, and they should be watered regularly. They also appreciate a humid environment, so it’s a good idea to mist them regularly or place them on a pebble tray.
If you’re looking for a beautiful and easy-care houseplant, a calathea is a great option. They’re sure to brighten up your home with their vibrant colors and unique foliage.
| Calathea Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Calathea orbifolia | Large, heart-shaped leaves with dark green and silver variegation |
| Calathea roseopicta | Small, oval leaves with dark green and pink variegation |
| Calathea makoyana | Large, oval leaves with dark green and purple variegation |
| Calathea rufibarba | Small, oval leaves with dark green and burgundy variegation |
| Calathea zebrina | Small, oval leaves with green, white, and purple variegation |
The Best Calatheas for Beginners
The Best Calatheas for Beginners
Calatheas are a popular choice for houseplants, thanks to their beautiful foliage and relatively easy care. However, not all calatheas are created equal. Some varieties are more difficult to care for than others, and some are more tolerant of neglect.
If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with one of the more forgiving calatheas. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Calathea ornata (also known as the prayer plant) is a beautiful calathea with large, variegated leaves. It’s a relatively easy plant to care for, and it does well in bright, indirect light.
- Calathea makoyana (also known as the peacock plant) is another popular choice for beginners. It has dark green leaves with a purple underside, and it’s also a relatively easy plant to care for.
- Calathea roseopicta (also known as the rose-painted calathea) is a stunning calathea with bright pink leaves. It’s a bit more difficult to care for than the other two calatheas on this list, but it’s still a good choice for beginners who are willing to put in a little extra effort.
Here are a few tips for caring for calatheas:
- Water regularly. Calatheas like to be kept moist, but they don’t like to sit in water. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
- Provide bright, indirect light. Calatheas need bright light to thrive, but they can’t tolerate direct sunlight. Place your calathea in a spot that gets bright, indirect light for most of the day.
- Maintain a humid environment. Calatheas are native to tropical rainforests, so they prefer a humid environment. If your home is dry, you can mist your calathea regularly or place it on a pebble tray filled with water.
With a little care, you can enjoy your calathea for many years to come.
| Calathea Variety | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| Calathea ornata | Easy |
| Calathea makoyana | Easy |
| Calathea roseopicta | Moderate |
How to Care for Calatheas
# How to Care for Calatheas
Calatheas are a genus of flowering plants in the Marantaceae family. They are native to tropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Calatheas are popular houseplants because of their beautiful foliage, which comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
Calatheas are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you need to know to keep them healthy.
Light: Calatheas prefer bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much sun can scorch their leaves.
Water: Calatheas need to be watered regularly, but they should not be allowed to sit in water. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Humidity: Calatheas thrive in humid environments. If the air in your home is dry, you can mist your calatheas regularly or place them on a pebble tray filled with water.
Temperature: Calatheas prefer warm temperatures, between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate some cooler temperatures, but they should not be exposed to frost.
Fertilizer: Calatheas should be fertilized monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
Pests: Calatheas are susceptible to a variety of pests, including aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. If you notice any pests on your calatheas, you can treat them with a neem oil solution or insecticidal soap.
Propagation: Calatheas can be propagated by division or stem cuttings. To divide a calathea, carefully remove the plant from its pot and divide the roots into two or more sections. Replant each section in a new pot filled with fresh soil. To propagate a calathea from a stem cutting, take a 4-inch cutting from the stem and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with moist potting soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, bright location. The cutting should root in about 4-6 weeks.
Calatheas are beautiful and easy-to-care-for plants that can add a touch of tropical beauty to any home. By following these simple care tips, you can help your calatheas thrive.
Calathea Care Checklist
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Water regularly, allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings
- Humidity: High humidity (60% or higher)
- Temperature: Warm temperatures, between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit
- Fertilizer: Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer
- Pests: Treat with neem oil solution or insecticidal soap
- Propagation: Divide or stem cuttings
Troubleshooting Calathea Problems
Troubleshooting Calathea Problems
Calatheas are beautiful, but they can be a bit tricky to care for. If your calathea is looking a little worse for wear, don’t worry – there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem.
Here are a few common calathea problems and solutions:
- Yellow leaves: If your calathea’s leaves are turning yellow, it could be due to a number of reasons. Here are a few possible causes and solutions:
- Too much water: Calatheas like moist soil, but they don’t like to be soggy. If you’re watering your calathea too often, the roots can start to rot, which will cause the leaves to turn yellow. To fix this, let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
- Not enough water: Calatheas also don’t like to dry out completely. If you’re not watering your calathea enough, the leaves will start to turn yellow. To fix this, water your calathea more frequently.
- Too much sun: Calatheas prefer bright, indirect light. If your calathea is getting too much direct sunlight, the leaves can burn, which will cause them to turn yellow. To fix this, move your calathea to a spot where it will get bright, indirect light.
- Not enough sun: Calatheas also need some sunlight to thrive. If your calathea is not getting enough light, the leaves will start to turn yellow. To fix this, move your calathea to a spot where it will get more sunlight.
- Brown tips: If your calathea’s leaves are starting to develop brown tips, it could be due to a number of reasons. Here are a few possible causes and solutions:
- Too much fertilizer: Calatheas don’t need a lot of fertilizer. If you’re fertilizing your calathea too often, the leaves can start to burn, which will cause them to turn brown. To fix this, cut back on the fertilizer.
- Not enough humidity: Calatheas are tropical plants, so they need high humidity to thrive. If your home is not humid enough, the leaves of your calathea can start to dry out, which will cause them to turn brown. To fix this, mist your calathea regularly or place it on a pebble tray filled with water.
- Airflow: Calatheas also need good airflow to prevent mold and mildew from growing on the leaves. If your calathea is not getting enough airflow, the leaves can start to turn brown. To fix this, make sure to rotate your calathea regularly and to dust the leaves regularly.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your calathea’s problems, it’s best to consult with a gardening expert. They can help you diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.
Where to Buy Calatheas
Where to Buy Calatheas
If you’re looking to buy calatheas, there are a few different places you can find them. Here are a few of your best options:
- Online: There are a number of online retailers that sell calatheas. Some popular options include Etsy, Amazon, and The Sill.
- Nurseries: Many local nurseries carry calatheas. Be sure to call ahead to check their stock, as calatheas can be seasonal.
- Garden centers: Some garden centers also carry calatheas. Again, be sure to call ahead to check their stock.
When choosing a calathea, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Light: Calatheas need bright, indirect light.
- Water: Calatheas need to be watered regularly, but they should not be allowed to sit in water.
- Temperature: Calatheas prefer warm temperatures, between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Humidity: Calatheas thrive in humid environments. If you live in a dry climate, you may need to mist your calathea regularly or use a humidifier.
With proper care, calatheas can be a beautiful addition to your home or garden.
Calathea Care Tips
# Calathea Care Tips
Calatheas are a popular houseplant, and for good reason. They’re beautiful, with their large, colorful leaves. But they can also be a bit tricky to care for. Here are a few tips to help you keep your calatheas healthy and happy:
- Water regularly. Calatheas like moist soil, but they don’t like to be soggy. Water them when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Provide bright, indirect light. Calatheas need bright light to thrive, but they don’t like direct sunlight. The best spot for a calathea is near a window that gets filtered light.
- Maintain a humid environment. Calatheas are native to tropical rainforests, so they like a humid environment. If the air in your home is dry, you can mist your calatheas regularly or place them on a pebble tray filled with water.
- Fertilize monthly. Calatheas need fertilizer to thrive. Feed them a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Repot as needed. Calatheas will need to be repotted as they grow. Repot them when the roots are starting to grow out of the drainage holes.
Troubleshooting
If your calathea is starting to look sick, there are a few things you can check.
- Is the soil too dry or wet? Calatheas will start to wilt if the soil is too dry or if they’re overwatered. Check the soil and water your calathea if needed.
- Is the light too bright or too dim? Calatheas will start to turn yellow or brown if they’re not getting enough light. Move them to a spot with brighter or more indirect light.
- Is the air too dry? Calatheas will start to curl their leaves if the air is too dry. Mist them regularly or place them on a pebble tray filled with water.
- Is the fertilizer too strong? Calatheas can be sensitive to fertilizer. If you’re using a strong fertilizer, dilute it to half strength.
- Is the plant rootbound? Calatheas will start to grow slowly if they’re rootbound. Repot them into a larger pot if needed.
By following these tips, you can help your calatheas thrive.
Resources
1. The Spruce
The Spruce is a popular home and garden resource that offers a wealth of information on calatheas, including care tips, growing guides, and variety profiles. This article is a great place to start if you’re new to calatheas or want to learn more about specific varieties.
2. Calathea Care
Calathea Care is a blog dedicated to calatheas.
This blog is a great resource for experienced calathea growers as well as those who are just starting out.The author, who goes by the name “Calathea Girl,” shares her knowledge and experience on calathea care, including tips on how to choose the right variety for your home, how to propagate calatheas, and how to troubleshoot common problems..
Wrapping Up
Outro
Calatheas are a beautiful and diverse group of plants that can add a touch of tropical flair to any home. With so many different varieties to choose from, there’s sure to be a calathea that’s perfect for you.
Just remember to provide your calathea with the right care, and it will reward you with lush foliage and stunning flowers for years to come.
Care tips:
- Calatheas prefer bright, indirect light.
- Water them regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Mist them regularly to help keep the leaves humid.
- Fertilize them monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
- Repot them every year or two as needed.
With a little care, your calatheas will thrive and bring you years of enjoyment.
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