Calathea is a beautiful and popular genus of tropical houseplants known for their stunning foliage. They are very elegant and showy, displaying striking stripes and veins in a wide range of colors from dark green to deep purple.
If cared for properly, they are fascinating for home decoration. Due to the environmental conditions they need to grow, one of the best places to showcase the lush beauty of the calathea is in the bathroom.
This location offers the perfect mix of light, humidity, and temperature to keep it healthy and happy. Below, we'll explore some of its characteristics and factors to consider when creating the ideal environment for a sparkling bathroom.
Characteristics of the calathea
Native to Central and South America, these tropical plants need plenty of warmth. They can thrive indoors and love a humid environment, but they require bright, indirect light to grow and flourish.
They are easy to grow, grow fairly quickly indoors, and reach a size of approximately 1 meter in a year.
They are ideal plants for homes with pets and children because they are non-toxic.
A very distinctive feature of the calathea is that its multicolored leaves rise and cluster at night, and during the day, they lower to receive as much light as possible. Because of this movement, they are known as prayer plants.
Creating the environment for calathea in the bathroom
Remember that they are very sensitive to the cold, but with the right conditions, they will thrive anywhere in the home, especially in the bathroom.
Energy
Calatheas love bright, indirect light. Think filtered sunlight rather than direct sunlight, as direct sunlight can burn the plant . The best option is to place it near a window with blinds or curtains so the light reaches it diffused.
The bathroom usually offers optimal light and heat conditions for them. But if your bathroom doesn't receive enough natural light, consider adding a grow light . This type of artificial light will provide your plant with the intense, indirect light it needs to thrive.
Irrigation
You need to water it regularly to keep the soil moist, using filtered, distilled, or rainwater. Don't use tap water if you live in an area with hard water. The chemicals it contains can damage the leaves. Water when the top layer of soil is almost dry.
Temperature
Calatheas prefer temperatures between 20 and 28°C, making the bathroom an ideal environment. Most bathrooms maintain a fairly consistent temperature, thanks to plumbing and heating systems that keep the space warm.
If temperatures drop below 15°C for an extended period, the plant can suffer greatly. However, if your house is very cold, consider adding a heater to raise the ambient temperature and make the space more comfortable.
It's essential to keep in mind that this plant needs high humidity, so don't place it near a heater to prevent the soil from drying out. A warm but humid environment is preferable.
Humidity
They thrive in high humidity, so a calathea in the bathroom will feel right at home. The high humidity, from the warm, humid air in showers, provides ideal conditions.
However, you can further optimize the humidity level of your calathea by regularly misting it with a spray bottle filled with water. Additionally, it's advisable to keep the soil slightly moist to help maintain the ideal humidity level.
A great option to keep the plant humid is to place a saucer with stones and water under the pot, but the plant should never be in direct contact with the water.
Potting soil
The potting soil for these plants needs to be very rich in organic matter . They prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil. An equal parts mix of potting soil and peat moss is a great option for creating the perfect environment for your calathea in the bathroom.
A key feature is a good drainage hole, to prevent waterlogging the roots while still retaining moisture. This will allow you to maintain the optimal humidity level while letting excess water drain away.
Pruning and trimming
Pruning and tending to your plant is essential for it to look its best. Prune away dead or yellowing leaves to keep it looking fresh and healthy . Also, remove dust and other debris from the leaves with a damp cloth to help prevent pests and keep the plant looking clean.
Fertilizer
To encourage abundant growth with bright, strong leaves, add a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month. Do this during spring, summer, and fall, always following the package instructions. Avoid fertilizing in winter, as this is when growth naturally slows down.
Calathea pests and problems
When grown in the environment they need, they present few problems, but those that could arise are:
- Yellowish or brown leaves: This problem occurs because the tap water you use has too many chemicals or minerals. To avoid this, water your water with filtered or rainwater. You can use tap water, but you should let it sit overnight to allow the fluoride and chlorine to evaporate.
- Pests: High humidity can create the ideal environment for hammerhead gnats. They are harmless but somewhat annoying. To eliminate them, you can mix a little diatomaceous earth into the pot.
How to make calathea in the bathroom bloom
These plants have white, yellow or purple flowers, which appear in the form of spikes from spring to late summer.
It has a very particular and exquisite citrus aroma, although they do not require very special care during flowering, they do need to receive enough water, humidity and heat.
It's not very common for them to bloom indoors, but if you want your calathea in the bathroom to have flowers, the best species to try is Calathea crocata.
This species sometimes blooms indoors. Also known as the "eternal plain flower ," it has dark green leaves and an intense orange flower that resembles burning flames.
Creating the ideal environment for your calathea in the bathroom is a great way to show off its lush, colorful foliage. If you ensure it receives all the above care and provide it with attention and dedication, your plant will reward you by growing healthy and happy. Now you can enjoy your beautiful calathea, turning your bathroom into a magical spa!