The green Calathea It has earned a privileged place in homes and offices thanks to the uniqueness and beauty of its leaves, capable of provide color and an exotic air to any room. If you're a houseplant lover or looking for that distinctive touch to your decor, caring for a Calathea can be a challenge and a constant source of satisfaction. In addition to being a pet-friendly option, this tropical plant transforms every corner and becomes the undisputed protagonist.
In this guide you will learn in a clear and enjoyable way how to keep your Calathea green. healthy and spectacularFrom its origin, varieties, and tricks for achieving a vibrant plant, to how to solve the most common problems that can arise during cultivation. You'll discover all the secrets you need to enjoy an authentic urban jungle at home.
What is green Calathea and where does it come from?
La Green Calathea It is an indoor plant native to the tropical rainforests of South America, especially Brazil and Peru. Be part of the family Maranthaceae and is closely related to other species known as marantas or prayer plants. Its name comes from the Greek "kalathos," meaning cup, referring to the distinctive shape of its flowers and leaves.
This plant is characterized by its leaves with striking patterns, which can include different shades of green, white, pink, purple and even silver. Many varieties have the reverse of the leaves in purple tones or reddish, which gives it a spectacular contrast. In addition, Calathea is famous for its ability to move leaves throughout the day looking for the light and closing them during the night, as if "sleeping" until dawn.
In its natural habitat, it adapts to shade conditions under the forest canopy and high humidity levels, reasons why it requires certain care when grown indoors.
Main varieties of green Calathea
The Calathea genus has a multitude of species and varieties, each with its own unique shapes and colors. They all share similar growing patterns and needs, although some are more hardy than others:
- Calathea roseopicta (medallion): Large, rounded leaves, green with purple and pink circular patterns.
- Calathea orbifolia: It stands out for its large, rounded, light green leaves with silver bands.
- Calathea zebrina: Known as the zebra plant, its leaves display alternating stripes of dark and light green.
- Calathea lancifolia (rattle snake): With long, narrow leaves, with wavy green spots on a light background.
- Calathea makoyana: Rounded leaves with patterns reminiscent of a peacock's spots.
- Calathea rufibarba: Its leaves have a slight hairiness on the reverse and intense green patterns.
- Calathea ornata: Striking for its white and pink stripes on the dark green of its leaves.
Whichever variety you choose, their humidity, light, and care requirements are very similar, ensuring they always look radiant.
General characteristics and curiosities
The Calatheas They are plants that attract attention because of the way they react to light and humidityDuring the day, the leaves tend to orient themselves towards the light source, while at night they fold or close, a phenomenon known as "nyctinastic movement." This behavior is why they are often nicknamed prayer plant.
Furthermore, in many cultures originating in South America, the tough leaves of the Calathea have traditionally been used as food wrappers. They even have curious names like «korbmarante», referring to the baskets woven with its leaves.
In decorative terms, it is a favorite plant for those seeking a green and vibrant environment, as its foliage can change the perspective of the space depending on the time of day.
Light Requirements for Green Calathea
For the green Calathea to maintain its color and vitality, it is essential to place it in a place with indirect and moderate lightThese plants don't tolerate direct sunlight, which can cause sunburn and dry out the edges of their leaves. Ideally, place them near a window with light filtered through a sheer curtain, or place them in a well-lit area away from intense, direct sunlight.
Calathea is also a great candidate for less bright spaces like bathrooms, as long as they have some natural light, as the ambient humidity will benefit the plant.
Avoid placing it near heat sources or drafts., as these factors can negatively affect your health.
Suitable temperature and humidity
As a good tropical plant, the green Calathea does not tolerate low temperatures nor sudden changes. The optimal range for its development is between 18 and 26 ° CIf the temperature drops below 15°C, the plant may suffer. It's advisable to keep it away from radiators, heaters, or windows where there are cold drafts.
Humidity is another key factor. Calathea needs a Humid climate To prevent the edges of the leaves from drying out or curling, you can increase humidity in several ways:
- Spraying its leaves with warm water regularly.
- Placing a humidifier near the plant.
- Placing the pot on a saucer with stones and water, avoiding the roots from touching the water directly.
- Grouping several plants to create a humid microclimate.
Avoid environmental dryness, especially in times of intense heating or very dry summer, as the plant will notice it quickly.
Perfect watering: frequency and water quality
Keep the substrate slightly moist This is the secret to keeping your Calathea looking healthy and with vibrant leaves. However, overwatering can be fatal, causing root rot and yellow spots on the foliage. Finding the right balance is essential:
- Water little but often, especially in spring and summer, checking the soil moisture every few days with your finger. Don't let the soil dry out completely.
- Reduce frequency in winter, but never allow the substrate to become dusty.
- Preferably use distilled, filtered, or rainwaterCalathea is very sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals in tap water, as well as excess limescale. If you have no other option, let the tap water sit overnight before using it and allow it to reach room temperature.
If you're unsure whether to water or wait, it's best to avoid overwatering. If water accumulates at the base of the pot, remove it immediately to avoid health problems for the plant.
The best substrate and transplant for your Calathea
Un loose substrate, rich in organic matter and well drained It's essential to ensure proper root development. You can prepare the perfect mix by combining:
- High-quality potting soil, preferably with peat and compost.
- Perlite to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.
- Coconut fiber to retain moisture in a balanced way.
- Avoid substrates with a lot of sphagnum moss, as they retain too much water.
The pot must have good drainage, with holes in the base, and it is recommended to add a layer of gravel or clay balls to the bottom to facilitate the drainage of excess water.
Repotting is usually done every 1-2 years, preferably in spring. If you notice roots protruding from the holes in the pot, the potting soil is compacted, or the plant has stopped growing, it's time to move it to a slightly larger pot and renew the potting soil.
In adult plants, you can choose to replace the top layer of the substrate and add nutrients, unless the plant clearly shows signs of exhaustion.
Fertilization and fertilization
During the months of spring and summer, the Calathea appreciates an extra supply of nutrients to maintain its lush foliage. Use a special liquid fertilizer for green plants diluted in the irrigation water every 2-4 weeks, always following the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfeeding and damaging the roots.
In autumn and winter, it is best to suspend fertilization or reduce it to once a month, as plant growth slows and excess fertilizer can harm the plant.
You can also use worm castings or compost as natural options, which provide nutrients gradually throughout the year.
Pruning, cleaning and maintenance
It is important remove dry, damaged or diseased leaves cutting the stem as close to the base as possible. This promotes plant health and stimulates the development of new leaves.
Clean the leaves periodically with a damp cloth to keep them dust-free, thus improving their light absorption and breathability.
You can trim leaves with brown edges to improve appearance, always ensuring that the problems don't recur, as they are often a symptom of other crop problems.
Common problems with green Calathea: causes and solutions
Calathea can quickly show signs of stress when its requirements are not met. These are the most common problems:
- Dry leaf tips: Usually caused by low humidity or excessive direct light. Solution: Increase humidity and move the plant to a more protected location.
- Yellow leaves: This can be due to either overwatering or underwatering. Check the soil moisture and adjust the watering.
- Droopy or dull leaves: Lack of fertilizer, low humidity, or insufficient light. Use fertilizer and check the environment.
- Brown or yellow spots: They usually appear due to excess water or puddles. Make sure drainage is optimal and remove excess water.
- Wrinkled leaves: They generally indicate dehydration or environmental dryness. Increase watering frequency and humidity.
- Root rot: Caused by excess water and lack of oxygen. Change the substrate and trim affected roots if necessary.
- Pests (mites, aphids, fungi): They appear when there is weakness. Inspect the underside of the leaves and, if necessary, apply an organic insecticide.
Maintaining ideal light, temperature, and humidity conditions will help keep your Calathea strong and healthy.
Reproduction and multiplication of the green Calathea
Multiplying your Calathea is relatively simple by plant division. The best time to do this is during the spring transplant. Use sterilized scissors and divide the plant so that each section has at least two full sheets and own roots. Plant the new shoots in individual pots with the same substrate as the parent plant and maintain a humid and warm environment while they establish themselves.
Why choose a green Calathea?
In addition to its spectacular visual appeal and its ability to purify the air, the green Calathea it is not toxic and is perfect for homes with pets or children. It is ideal for those looking for a dynamic, decorative and safe plantIts wide variety of species allows for unique aesthetic combinations, filling any corner with life and sophistication with little effort. Although it requires a little more attention than other indoor plants, the reward is a natural spectacle that never ceases to amaze.
If you're looking for a plant that adds personality, movement, and a jungle feel to your home, the green Calathea is the perfect choice.
