Today, let’s talk about one of the most sassy and stylish houseplants out there – the Calathea plant.
Just like any other how often you should water calathea will totally depends on several factors that we shall go through in this article.
What’s a Calathea Plant?
A Calathea plant is a tropical beauty with vibrant, colorful foliage that comes in different shapes and patterns. It’s like a botanical fashionista that keeps changing its outfit every few months. Think of it as a diva, but a low-maintenance one, because it doesn’t require a lot of care.
These plants are also known as prayer plants, because their leaves fold up at night as if in prayer. Cute, huh?
Now that you’re hooked, let’s find out how often to water your Calathea plant.
How often should I water my Calathea?
The short answer is, it depends. There are a few factors that will determine how often you need to water your plant, including the size of the pot, the type of soil, the humidity in your home, and the season. But don’t worry, I’ll break it all down for you.
Pot size
The size of your pot will determine how much water your Calathea needs. If your pot is too small, the soil will dry out quickly and you’ll need to water more often.
If your pot is too big, the soil will stay wet for longer and you’ll need to water less frequently. As a general rule of thumb, if your pot has drainage holes, water until it starts to drain out of the bottom. If it doesn’t have drainage holes, water sparingly to avoid waterlogged soil.
Soil type
The type of soil you use will also impact how often you need to water your Calathea. Calathea plants prefer well-draining soil that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged.
If you’re using a potting mix that’s heavy on the peat moss, you may need to water more frequently. If you’re using a mix with more perlite or sand, you can water less often.
Humidity
Calathea plants are native to the rainforest, so they thrive in high humidity. If you live in a dry climate, you may need to water more frequently or mist your plant to keep the leaves from drying out.
You can also place a humidifier near your plant or group it with other plants to increase the humidity.
Season
The season will also impact how often you need to water your Calathea. During the summer months, when temperatures are higher and the air is more humid, your plant will likely need more water.
During the winter months, when temperatures are lower and the air is drier, you can water less frequently.
How often to water calathea in winter?
The season of snow, hot cocoa, and… struggling houseplants. While it’s true that winter can be a challenging time for many indoor plants, including Calathea, it doesn’t mean you should stop watering them altogether.
During the winter, the air is generally drier and cooler, which means that the soil in your Calathea’s pot will take longer to dry out. As a result, you may need to water less frequently than you would during the summer months.
How often to water calathea in summer?
Summer is a time when your Calathea will need more frequent watering than it does during the cooler months. Dry weather of summer means that the soil in your Calathea’s pot will dry out more quickly than it does during the cooler months.
My opinion is that watering your Calathea properly during the summer is crucial to its survival.
How often to water indoor calathea?
Calathea is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add some greenery to their indoor space. Calathea does require some care and attention to thrive indoors. You’ll need to provide it with the right light, water, and humidity levels, and be on the lookout for signs of stress or disease.
water your indoor Calathea every 1-2 weeks, but this can vary based on a variety of factors that we have already discussed!
What makes a Calathea plant so special?
There are several factors that make Calathea plants so unique and captivating. Here are a few:
The leaves
The foliage of a Calathea plant is simply stunning, with various patterns and colors that will make your eyes pop. Some of the popular varieties include the Calathea orbifolia, which has round leaves with silver stripes, and the Calathea lancifolia, which has long and narrow leaves with wavy edges.
Air-purifying qualities
As if the stunning foliage wasn’t enough, Calathea plants also help purify the air in your home. They’re known to remove toxins and pollutants, making them a perfect addition to any household.
Easy to care for
Unlike some divas, Calathea plants are easy to care for. They prefer low to medium light, moderate watering, and high humidity. Just keep them away from direct sunlight, and you’re good to go.
Types of Calathea plants
There are over 300 species of Calathea plants out there, and each one is unique in its own way. Here are a few of the most popular types:
Calathea Orbifolia
This variety has stunning round leaves with silver stripes that make it a favorite among plant lovers.
Calathea Lancifolia
With its long and narrow leaves, this variety adds a touch of elegance to any space.
Calathea Medallion
This plant has large, round leaves with dark green edges and a lighter green center. It’s a real eye-catcher.
Calathea Roseopicta
The Roseopicta is known for its deep purple undersides and vibrant green tops, making it a must-have for any plant collection.
How to care for your Calathea plant
Taking care of a Calathea plant is easy, as long as you follow a few simple rules. Here’s what you need to know:
Watering
Calathea plants prefer to be kept consistently moist, but not soaking wet. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and be sure to use room-temperature water.
Light
Calathea plants prefer low to medium light. Keep them away from direct sunlight, as it can burn their leaves.
Humidity
Calathea plants thrive in high humidity. If your home is dry, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant.
Soil
Use a well-draining soil mix that retains moisture but doesn’t get waterlogged.
Temperature
Calathea plants prefer temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Keep them away from cold drafts, as it can damage their leaves.
Common Problems with Calathea plants
Like any plant, Calathea plants can experience a few problems. Here are a few of the most common issues and how to fix them:
Browning edges
If the edges of your Calathea’s leaves start to turn brown, it’s likely due to low humidity. Try increasing the humidity around the plant by misting it regularly, placing a tray of water nearby, or using a humidifier.
Yellowing leaves
Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering or underwatering. Make sure you’re watering your Calathea plant appropriately, and adjust as needed.
Curling leaves
Curling leaves can be a sign of low humidity or too much light. Try increasing the humidity around the plant or moving it to a slightly shadier spot.
Pest infestations
Calathea plants can attract common indoor pests like spider mites and mealybugs. If you notice any pests, try wiping down the leaves with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap.
Conclusion on Watering Calathea
A Calathea plant is a stunning and low-maintenance houseplant that can add a touch of style and elegance to any space.
Do you have a calathea plant at your home and how often do you water it?
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