Calathea
Goeppertia spp.also formerly Calathea

Calathea

Medium lightFussyPet-safe
6580°FComfort range
HighHumidity
Background

Calathea (now reclassified as Goeppertia) is grown for some of the most beautiful foliage in the houseplant world — feathered, brushstroked, and patterned leaves in greens, pinks, and purples. It also has a reputation for being demanding, and that reputation is mostly about water and humidity.

They're fussy about water quality: tap-water fluoride and salts brown the delicate leaf edges, so filtered, distilled, or rainwater makes a real difference. Keep the soil evenly moist (not soggy), give them high humidity, and keep them out of direct sun. Get those right and the crispy-edge complaints disappear. The related prayer plants fold their leaves up at night, a charming party trick.

Medium to bright indirect; direct sun fades the markings. Tolerates lower light better than most.

Care at a glance
LightMedium light
WaterEvery 4–6 days; keep evenly moist
Soil mixLight, moisture-retentive mix — coir or peat with perlite
HumidityHigh
Temperature65–80°F
DifficultyFussy
HabitClumping
Mature size1–2 ft
PropagationDivision at repotting
Watering & safety
How to water

Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater — sensitive to tap-water minerals

Drought tolerance

Low — keep to a consistent rhythm and don't let it dry out hard.

Pet & child safety

Non-toxic and pet-safe.

The routine

Keep evenly moist using filtered or distilled water

every 4–6 days

Crispy brown edges mean tap-water minerals or dry air

Feed with a dilute balanced fertiliser

monthlyGrowing season

Wipe and mist the leaves; keep humidity high

Divide and refresh the soil

every 1–2 years
Watch for
Spider MitesFungus GnatsThrips