Calatheas are one of the the most beautiful plants there are thanks to their leaves and the patterns that make them unique. However, as tropical plants, to thrive indoors, they need specific conditions. And among those conditions, temperature is one of the most determining factors. Therefore, it's important to know What is the ideal temperature for your calathea to develop?
Want to know what it would be? Below, we'll tell you everything you need to know about calathea and the temperature you should provide in your home.
What is the ideal temperature according to its tropical origin?
As you know, and if not, we'll tell you right now, Calatheas grow naturally in the more forested areas of Brazil and Peru. They are warm-weather plants, but they also need humidity and stability, as sudden changes can be detrimental to them. In general, The optimal temperature for cultivation is between 18 and 26 ºC, although there are some experts who say that it can withstand temperatures up to 30 ºC as long as there is high humidity.
On the other hand, it's a plant that doesn't tolerate cold well. When temperatures drop below 16 degrees, your calathea is likely to become stressed. And when that happens, You will notice physical changes in the plantFor example, the leaves may curl, the plant may stop growing (you'll notice that it doesn't produce new leaves or shoots, or they may even die). In the most extreme cases, it could be irreversibly damaged, so much so that you would lose the plant.
How temperature affects growth and appearance
Although calatheas are marketed as easy-care plants, this isn't actually the case. They are very sensitive to any sudden change in temperature, as well as to drafts, whether cold or warm. Therefore, when a plant is exposed to this situation, you'll notice the leaves wilt, turn brown, or even curl. The problem is that many people, when they see this, think it's because they lack water, and end up overwatering it, harming the calathea even more.
On the other hand, When this plant does not have the right temperature, it suffers. And the way it tries to protect itself is by losing its leaves. It enters a kind of dormancy. But if left unchecked, and this situation persists over time, the plant weakens and eventually dies.
The ideal temperature for your calathea according to the season
To help your calathea last for years, we'll give you a key to seasonal temperatures.
In spring, the ideal temperature is between 18 and 24 degrees.It requires frequent watering, but above all, maintaining good humidity around it. Be careful with air conditioning and dry environments. For example, in Mediterranean areas, humidity can be very low (less than 15%), while a calathea requires 70-90% humidity, especially if it's your first year.
You see, when you buy a plant from a nursery or a store, it must have had the best conditions to be beautiful. But during transport and during sale, those conditions change, and the plant becomes stressed. This is one of the reasons why it's recommended to give it two weeks to acclimatize. During that time, if you mimic its native temperature conditions, you'll have a better chance of success. But if you don't, the plant will eventually die.
In summer, the ideal temperature would be between 22 and 26 ºC. Here you need to increase the humidity so it doesn't lack any moisture, and if possible, avoid direct sunlight at all times. You can place it close to the plant, but don't let it hit directly, just indirectly.
At autumn season, the temperature drops, your ideal will be between 18 and 23 ºCHere you should start reducing watering and humidity to prevent the appearance of fungus or related diseases. Finally, in winter, the ideal temperature is 18 to 20°C. In most cases, calatheas go into hibernation, so you may not need to water them, although it is recommended to maintain medium humidity and monitor the plant.
How to maintain the temperature of a calathea
One of the best tips we can give you for your calathea is to choose your location carefully. No plant likes to be constantly moved. That means You have to choose a place where there are no open windows or doors, either in winter or summer. (or if there are, that they don't reach it). You also shouldn't place it near direct heat sources, as these dry out the air and raise the temperature, nor near cold sources, such as air conditioning, as it will lose a lot of moisture.
Buy a room thermometer and place it where the plant is. If it drops below 16 degrees or rises above 26 degrees, you can anticipate it by increasing or decreasing the humidity (using a humidifier, a tray of water and pebbles, etc.).
What happens if the temperature is not right?
The plant behaves in two different ways depending on whether the temperature is too high or too low. If it is too hot, you will see the leaves quickly start to turn brown or black., which dry out and wither very quickly. Furthermore, it will stop growing if it doesn't have moisture.
On the other hand, When the temperature is low the leaves will curl up or fall off and its growth will be slower. But the most dangerous thing is that the absorption of irrigation water can be affected, and the roots can rot.
As you can see, the ideal temperature for your calathea is one of the most important aspects of plant care. You need to know how to anticipate and monitor it to avoid problems and ensure it continues to grow beautifully. Have you ever had problems with the temperature of your calathea?