Everything You Need to Know About Calathea

Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature, Houseplants, Gardening and Plant Care

Calatheas have a bit of a reputation among plant parents for being dramatic "divas." And I'm not going to lie—they can be particular about their care. But don't let that scare you off! If you try to understand their preferences, you can totally grow lush, vibrant prayer plants at home. That’s what we’re going to talk about in this episode!

In this episode, we learn:

• [01:44] Understanding calathea (now also called Goeppertia)
• [02:21] Why calathea isn’t for everyone (so set your expectations)
• [05:46] Why calatheas are the perfect statement plant!
• [06:17] Understanding the natural habitat of Calathea
• [06:51] Why calatheas are called “prayer plants”
• [07:41] High-level overview of Calathea
• [08:41] Calathea Care #1: Lighting
• [11:10] Calathea Care #2: Watering
• [14:42] Top tip: Calathea enjoy filtered water
• [15:28] Enjoy superior quality and a variety of plants from Proven Winners Leaf Joy!
• [17:14] Mindful goal reflection through daily plant check-ins
• [18:13] Calathea Care #3: Humidity
• [21:04] How do you create a microclimate for your plants?
• [22:02] Why Calathea are resilient
• [23:42] Calathea Care #4: Fertilizing
• [24:08] Calathea Care #5: Troubleshooting
• [24:46] Tip: Trim the brown edges off your Calathea!
• [28:20] Different Calathea species
• [28:43] #1 Rattlesnake plant (Calathea lancifolia or Goeppertia insignis) = low maintenance
• [30:01] #2 Calathea majestica Diamond Dazzler White Star
• [31:30] #3 Calathea picturata = drama queen
• [32:38] #4 Calathea orbifolia = Instagram favorite

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Growing Joy Episode 224: Everything You Need to Know About Ficus
• Growing Joy Episode 219: How to Care for Alocasias
• Understanding Natural Light Worksheet
• Potting Soil Mix by Espoma Organic
• Terracotta Pots
• Ceramic Pots
• Plastic Pots

For my personal ranking of popular calathea varieties,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Proven Winners

If you want to have success with houseplants, you’ve got to have two things: the knowledge to care for them successfully and healthy plants. Meet my new favorite houseplant grower: Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. With only the best plant genetics grown in a state-of-the-art, European greenhouse, you will not be disappointed in the variety and quality of your favorite plants from Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. This company has taken the guesswork out of plant shopping with plant tags that include scientific names and care guides, as well as color-coded collections for the different areas of your home that you want plants in!

Find plant joy in leafjoy™. Head to provenwinners.com to find your local leafjoy™ dealer and let me know which plant you take home on socials!

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