These plants are among some of our best-sellers - here’s our guide to getting the most out of yours.
The marantaceae family (which includes calathea, maranta, stromanthe and many other ‘prayer plants’) is a big old plant family. Many of them are recognised by the fact they close their leaves up at night time, and lower them back down during the day, in accordance to their circadian rhythm. From the whitestar to the rufibarba, most of us have a calathea in our plant collections. But they have got a reputation for being a little bit tricky to look after. But don't despair, as with our tips you'll be an expert at caring for them.
They love:
- Low to bright, indirect light (keep them out of the sun)
- Being watered every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out halfway down between waterings
- Humidity, these plants are happy in warm rooms
- Being grouped together to make a microclimate
- Warm weather, so don’t be surprised if your plant’s growth slows in winter
Common calathea problems:
1. Curling leaves
Why? Change in lack of temperature
Fix it: Never let your calathea dry out, they prefer to be kept in moist at all times. Position your plant at least 1 metre from a heat source such as radiators or drafty windows.
2. Yellowing leaves
Why? Overwatering
Fix it: Try the finger test, insert your finger into the top two inches of soil, if it feels dry give it a top up and let the water run through the pot before placing back in its home or pot.
3. Crispy leaves
Why? Lack of humidity
Fix it: It might take a while to find out the perfect spot; throughout the winter your calathea will thrive in bathrooms or kitchens where humidity levels are higher along with regular misting.
4. Looking shabby
Why? Throughout the winter months your calathea’s growth will slow right down and you can expect some lower leaf loss.
Fix it: You can give your calathea a haircut, removing any struggling leaves will allow the healthy leaves to receive nutrients.
Shop our edit of calatheas:
Here's three of our favourite calatheas.
Calathea Leopardina
With distinctive markings, it's clear where this purrfect plant gets its name. Besides being gorgeous to look at, it's hailed for its air-purifying qualities. Its vibrant green colouring is said to trigger an evolutionary response that makes you feel healthy, too.
Silver Calathea
Also known as a Calathea picturata 'Argentea', this plant enjoys weekly watering throughout the warmer months allowing the soil to dry before watering again, reduce this schedule during the winter months.
Prayer Plant
Of course, we had to include the classic! This beauty consistently sells out and we can see why.