How Do You Care for a Calathea? The Complete Guide

Calathea (and its cousin Maranta) is loved for its graphic leaves that fold up at night. It is also one of the most demanding plants: here are the keys to success with it.

What light does a Calathea need?

Bright but indirect light. Direct sun bleaches and burns its leaves. A bright room, away from the window or behind a sheer curtain, suits it perfectly.

How do you water a Calathea?

Keep the potting mix slightly damp at all times, without excess. Above all, use lime-free water (rainwater, filtered, or left to stand for 24 hours): Calathea is very sensitive to limescale and chlorine, which brown its tips. A moisture meter helps you keep the right balance.

Why does it need so much humidity?

Native to tropical forest understoreys, Calathea loves high humidity (60% and above). In dry indoor air, especially in winter with heating, its leaves turn brown and curl. A humidifier or grouping plants together works wonders.

Why do its leaves turn brown or curl?

• Brown tips: air too dry or hard water (learn more).
• Curled leaves: lack of water or humidity.
• Pale leaves: too much direct light.

Clean them gently with a cleaning mist to keep their shine.

FAQ: Calathea care

Why are the tips of my Calathea turning brown?
Almost always because of air that is too dry or tap water that is too hard. Increase the humidity and water with lime-free water.

Is Calathea a difficult plant?
It is one of the most demanding in terms of humidity and water quality, but once its needs are understood, it thrives for the long term.

Why do the leaves of my Calathea close?
It is natural behaviour: it folds its leaves at night (nyctinasty). If they stay curled during the day, it is a lack of water or humidity.

Healthy plants, 100% natural, made in the Ardèche. 🌿