Calathea Plant Care Guide
About Calathea Plants
Calathea plants, more commonly known as prayer plants, are native to the jungles of South America. This houseplant is non-toxic for cats and dogs and is great for intermediate horticulturists. The calathea requires its soil to be moist, meaning it needs to be closely watched to ensure the soil never dries out. This plant care guide will walk you through taking care of a calathea plant.
Basic Care Instructions and Requirements
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Calathea, Prayer Plants
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Calathea
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Marantaceae, Arrowroots
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Evergreen Perennial
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Intermediate to hard
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2-4 feet
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Indirect Sunlight
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Moist
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pH 5.0-6.0
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Zones 11-12 (USDA)
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South America
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Non-toxic for cats and dogs
Sunlight
The calathea plant prefers to be in bright indirect sunlight. Do not keep your calathea directly in front of a window. Too much direct sunlight can be detrimental to your plants overall growth and success.
Humidity
Humidity levels should always be above 50% for your calathea plants. Most horticulturists keep temperamental plants in climate regulated cabinets. If you are not in the market to buy one of these expensive plant cabinets, it may be time to get a humidifier to keep the moisture levels above the threshold.
Temperature
The temperature should remain between 65-80°F for calatheas to thrive properly. If temperatures drop outside of this range, it may be time to change the environment you are keeping the calathea.
Watering
Once the top two inches of soil dry out you should water your calatheaDepending on the time of year, the frequency of watering will change. The soil should always be moist and never wet!
Best Soil For ZZ Plants
The best soil mix for the calathea plant is composed of peat moss, perlite, and organic matter. The soil should have a pH 5.0-6.0 and be well-draining. Keep your calathea plant in a pot with a lot of drainage holes.
Susceptible Diseases
Calathea plants are susceptible to many pests and diseases. Some of which include the following:
Propagation
To prevent the transmission of unwanted pests and diseases, always use clean shears when propagating calathea plants. First, cut 2-3 inches of a stem off of the plant. Then, place the cut end in a rooting hormone to help promote healthy root growth. Place the new cutting in water and place it near a window. Change the water once a week and watch as the new roots grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to the ASPCA, calathea plants are considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
Consumption of plants can still cause stomach upset. Always contact a medical professional if ingestion occurs.
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Yes, prayer plants are calathea plants.
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Calathea plants get around 2 feet tall. In its natural environment, they can get up to 6 feet tall.
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There are over 60 different types of calathea plants.