How to Grow Calathea? Detailed Guide to Growing Methods and Tips

The Calathea's blooms are bright red and delicate, and its leaves are plump and broad, making it a popular greenery plant for the home, and many people grow a pot of Calathea at home. So how do you grow Calathea?

1. Watering

In dry, stuffy, or low-temperature conditions, the leaf margins and leaf tips of Calathea are very prone to scorching, so keep the potting soil moist; you can spray clear water on the leaf surface 1-2 times a day, and the cup-shaped part in the middle of the leaf rosette can be filled with clear water. Do not water frequently; when watering, the water should be poured into the cup in the middle, not directly into the flower pot, and at the same time pay attention to the cup in the middle, feeling the water inside to control the amount, and the water should be clean.

2. Fertilizing

It is worth noting that Calathea's root system is not well developed, with only small, short roots, so do not apply too much fertilizer, to prevent root rot and yellowing leaves; use diluted fertilizer water. Do not fertilize during the flowering period, but after flowering, promptly cut off the flowers and replenish fertilizer. Its suitable growing temperature is 21-28°C during the day and 18-21°C at night, and the maximum temperature must not exceed 35°C; you can keep it indoors for a few days and then move it out to a semi-shaded spot on the balcony for a few days.

3. Care Through the Four Seasons

Calathea requires different care throughout the four seasons. In winter and spring, pay attention to temperature changes; once the temperature drops below 10°C, promptly cover it with a transparent plastic bag to reduce the stimulation of cold, and remove the plastic bag promptly when the temperature rises. After the inflorescences produced in winter and spring have gone through an ornamental period lasting as long as half a year, they have gradually faded, and at this point they can be cut off to reduce nutrient consumption, so as to favor the growth of side shoots. When the side shoots grow to 10 cm long, you can use a knife to cut off the side shoots and plant them in a small pot 9 cm in diameter for propagation.

Growing flowers can cultivate the mind and nature and add interest to life, and Calathea, with its bright colors and plump leaves, is very suitable as an indoor potted plant. If you like Calathea, why not try growing a pot.