Calathea

Calathea Albertii are a popular species of the Calathea house plants. They have beautiful green leaves with darker colouring and are becoming more common in plant shops. As they are a type of Calathea they can be fussy but with our Calathea Albertii care guide you should have no problems looking after this lovely little plant.

Light

Calathea Albertii like most Calathea plants like medium to bright indirect light. It’s important that you don’t expose them to direct light as this can scorch their leaves and cause them to lose moisture at a rapid rate. In their natural environment they are protected from the sun by the leaves of other plants so it can be beneficial to recreate these conditions in your home. Try placing them near a light source but with other plants between them and the sun or try using a sheer curtain to provide shade for your Calathea Albertii.

Watering

Calathea Albertii need to be watered regularly and don’t like to dry out between waterings. Approximately once a week often works for these plants but make sure you’re checking your individual Calathea. As the top two inches of soil starts to dry out it’s time to water. If you struggle to gauge this then try using a moisture meter to help you. Moisture meters give a reading of the moisture levels in the soil and can help you work out a when to water your plants.

Tap water can also be too harsh for a Calathea plant so if your plant isn’t in direct sunlight, you’re watering it often but you’re noticing scorch marks on the leaves then you may need to switch to filtered water.

Soil

As these plants are from jungle like environments a rich peat based mix that can retain moisture is perfect for your Calathea. Try using a regular potting mix and adding peat and perlite. Although you want your plant moist you don’t want it sitting in water so make sure you use a pot with drainage holes.

Humidity

Calathea Albertii originate from the tropics which mean they likes things nice and humid. If you live in a dry environment or use heating in the winter then you will probably need to find ways to increase the humidity in your home as Calathea really do not like dry air. The best way to do this is to use a humidifier, however if you don’t want to buy one then there are cheaper methods you can use to increase humidity. Placing your plant in a watered pebbled tray and placing containers of water around your plants can increase the moisture in the air, as can regular misting. The bathroom can also be a great spot for Calathea plants as the humidity goes up every time you shower.

If you do choose the humidifier option then we would recommend the Levoit humidifier. This model has a high capacity tank which means you don’t have to refill it often. You can also change the direction of the nozzle to face specific plants so that they receive more moisture and you can preset your humidifier a specific level of humidity. This means the humidifier will adjust automatically putting out more or less water vapour to match your preset levels.

Temperature

These plants need to be kept warm as long as the air remains moist. They don’t want to be in temperatures that drop below 16 °C and they need to be kept away from windows, doors and heating systems. It’s also important that you try to give them a roughly consistent temperature year round.

Propagation

Propagation can be done through root division and should not be attempted by taking cuttings. Wait until your plant is established and new segments are sprouting up away from the main plant. Once this occurs and the segments are sturdy enough on their own you can take the plant from its pot and separate the roots with your hands. Important! Make sure you try to keep as many roots in tact as possible as they will need their new root system in order to survive. Once you’ve separated your plants repot them and now you have two!

Fertilisation

Calathea Albertii can find fertilisers strong and can experience leaf burning so it’s important you find a weak houseplant fertiliser and dilute it for your plants. If you find the fertiliser is too strong a good method is to water the plant first so they soak up a lot of water before the fertiliser. You do not need to fertilise Calathea Albertii during the winter months and during the growing season you can feed your plant approximately once a month.

Calathea Albertii FAQ

Now you’ve read our Calathea Albertii care guide why not check out some of the most commonly asked questions below. And if you have one of your own feel free to leave it in the comment section.

Is the Albertii a type of prayer plant?

Yes all types of Calathea are considered to be prayer plants from the way they bow and raise their leaves throughout a 24 hour period.

Do Calathea Albertii like sunlight?

These plants need access to bright light but definitely not direct sunlight as this can burn their leaves.

How do you look after a Calathea Albertii?

In short, to look after a Calathea Albertii you need:

• Medium to bright indirect light
• Rich peat based soil
• Regular watering
• Filtered water
• Warm temperatures
• Weak fertiliser

Why are my Calathea’s leaves turning yellow?

It’s possible that the leaves of your plant are turning yellow due to overwatering. Check the moisture of the soil and if it’s wet to the touch you may want to change your watering schedule so your plant is watered less.

Why are my Calathea’s leaves crisping?

Unfortunately this is a common one with Calathea plants as they are quite sensitive. The first thing you should check is underwatering. Feel the soil, is it dry to the touch? You may be watering too infrequently. Next check placement, is it receiving direct sunlight? If so move it away from the light source. If it isn’t either of these then two other options are tap water or fertiliser. Try changing your tap water to filtered water and try using a weaker plant fertiliser. Hopefully after going through these steps you should get on top of your crispy leaf problem. Unfortunately once the leaves have crisped the damage is irreversible so concentrate on growing new healthy foliage and if the damage is severe on a leaf then consider removing it so that the plant can focus on new growth.

Calathea Vittata can be just as fussy as other plants in the Calathea family; you may find their leaves crisp, curl, yellow, droop and more, which can be pretty stressful. So we’ve put together a Calathea Vittata care guide to help you care for this beautiful but tricky little plant.

Light

Just like with any Calathea plant, the Calathea Vittata does not like direct sunlight. The rays from the sun can scorch their leaves causing burning and brown crisping. Instead opt for a spot where the plant is protected from the sun and where it can receive medium light. They can tolerate lower lighting conditions but be aware they are not known as low light houseplants and may need something a little brighter.

Watering

Calathea Vittata need to be watered regularly and not allowed to dry out between waterings. Simply stick your fingers in the top two inches of soil and as you feel is starting to dry give your plant a drink. You can also use a moisture meter to help you detect the level of water in the soil if you find it difficult to judge yourself. Sometimes tap water can be too strong for your plant so if you notice any leaf burning and your Calathea isn’t in direct sunlight then try using filtered water.

A common sign of overwatering is yellow leaves and a common sign of underwatering is the leaves curling in on themselves. If you notice either of these signs then adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Humidity

Calathea Vittata will benefit from a medium to high humidity environment. They may be able to tolerate the natural humidity in your home but if the air is too dry then this plant will suffer. We would recommend using a humidifer or watered pebble tray to help your plant get some extra moisture.

Soil

A potting mixture that is available to retain moisture will be good for your Calathea Vittata. We find that using a regular potting mix with added peat moss and perlite keeps the soil moist yet aerated and create that jungley mixture that you’re looking for. It’s important that you pot your plant in a container with drainage holes.

Temperature

Calathea Vittata need to be kept in warmer temperatures and will do badly in colder conditions. Keep them away from droughts which means windows and doors and try to keep your home at a consistent temperature year round. Be aware that heating systems can cause the air to dry out so if you use heating in winter you might want to consider adjusting the humidity levels to compensate for this.

Propagation

Calathea Vittata can be propagated via root division rather than from a cutting. As your plant matures you will notice new shoots coming out of the soil and new segments of the plant will grow that seem separate from the mother plant. When they happens and the new shoots have grown to a substantial height then you can take the plant from the soil and separate the plant at the roots, being careful to break as few as possible. When you have redone this repot both the original plant and the new plant.

Fertilisation

Just like with many other things Calathea Vittata can be quite sensitive to fertiliser, so make sure you choose a weak diluted one and fertilise your plant after watering. You also only need to fertilise your Calathea during the growing season which means spring and summer.

Calathea Vittata FAQ

Now you’ve read the Calathea Vittata care guide, take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions to see if it can help you to care for your plant.

How do you care for Calathea Vittata?

In order to care for your plant you will need:

• Medium to bright indirect light
• Regular watering
• Weak fertiliser
• Filtered water
• Peat based soil
• Medium humidity
• Warm temperatures

Does Calathea Vittata need sunlight?

Although Calathea Vittata needs access to light, it is important that you don’t place your plant in direct sunlight as this can burn the leaves.

Can you overwater Calathea Vittata?

Yes you can overwater Calathea Vittata as you can overwater most plants. Although it is known for a plant that likes to be watered regularly and kept moist if the soil becomes water logged, you water your plant too often or there aren’t drainage holes, then you could easily be overwatering your plant which could result in yellowing leaves.

What is a good spot for a Calathea Vittata?

As they don’t like light that is too intense placing them near an east facing window is a good spot for them as they can receive lots of morning light but are protected from the harsher rays of the afternoon.

Are Calathea Vittata easy to find?

This plant is becoming much easier to come by as Calathea plants in general are becoming more popular. And the good news is that is a plant shop stocks Calathea plants, it’s likely that they have this variety as it is quite common among its species. If you struggle to find a shop that stocks it there are lots of online shops that do so depending on where you live you probably won’t have to pay huge shipping fees.

Why are my Calathea Vittata’s leaves curling?

Leaves curling on any Calathea plant can be a sign of underwatering or too much light. The leaves curl to protect themselves to try and conserve water so the first thing you need to do is check the soil, if it’s dry then this could be the culprit so water your plant immediately. If the soil is moist then check the light source. Maybe where you’ve placed your plant is too bright. If this is the case then try moving it away or protecting it from the sun with the foliage of other plants.

Just like many other species of Calathea, the Calathea Stromata is a fussy plant and requires specific care needs in order for it to thrive. It can be recognised by its beautiful dark green markings on lighter green leaves.  Our Calathea Stromata care guide should get you set up on how to best look after this amazing plant.

Light

Since it comes from the tropics, Calathea Stromata will need indirect light in order to thrive as it is used to growing under the canopy of other plants in its natural environment. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves of the Stromata plant so it is better to keep it back away from light sources. They can often tolerate low light but a medium light condition will probably be best for your plant. A north or east facing room should provide the right amount of light for this plant, or if you have them in a south or west facing room try pulling them back from the window or using a sheer curtain.

Watering

Calathea Stromata need to be watered regularly or they will wilt and die. Don’t wait for the soil to dry out completely, instead check the top two inches and as it is beginning to dry rewater your plant. Even though they need to be watered regularly it’s important you don’t overwater the Calathea Stromata, so make you sure you have drainage holes in the pot you are using. Regular tap water may cause leaf burning, so if this happens try switching to filtered water to remove the chlorine.

If you find it difficult to know when your plant needs watering then a moisture probe could help you. These are designed

Humidity

Calathea Stromata prefer higher humidity levels as they originate from the tropics. They will also tolerate medium levels of humidity but as the air becomes drier they will start to struggle and you may notice crisping of their leaves. If you’re from an area with low humidity then a humidifier would be beneficial for your plant. If you don’t want to introduce a humidifier into your plant care then a mister can help to provide your plants with extra humidity.

Soil

As Calathea Stromata like to be kept moist it’s important that they’re given a potting mix that can keep moisture in. A regular potting mix with added peat moss and perlite can create the jungle style soil that is necessary for maintaining moisture.

Temperature

These plants like to be kept warm as long as the air remains moist and doesn’t dry out. If you keep them in colder temperatures they won’t do very well, especially if kept near a drought, so keep them away from doors and windows.

Fertiliser

If a fertiliser is too strong it can burn the leaves of your Calathea Stromata, so make sure you use a weak diluted fertiliser for your plant. You only need to feed it during the growing season which is spring and summer and you can leave your plant during the cold months where it won’t be putting out a lot of new growth. During the growing season we would recommend feeding your plant approximately once a month.

Propagation

Propagation of Calathea Stromata can be done by root division. The best way to do this is to wait until the new shoots of plant are established and then separate them by gently pulling the roots apart being careful to break as few as possible. Once you have the new section of plant simply pot it with a Calathea appropriate potting mix, we would recommend regular potting soil, perlite and peat moss. When repotting your new plant shoot

So to summarise, in order to care for a Calathea Stromata you need:

• Medium indirect light
• Frequent watering
• Medium to high humidity
• Peat and perlite based soil

Calathea Stromata FAQ

Below we have compiled a list of some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Calathea Stromata care. Even with a care guide, these plants can be difficult to look after so make sure you check out

Is Calathea Stromata an easy plant to take care of?

No Calathea Stromata is not a particularly easy plant to take care of. Calathea plants are known for being fussy and requiring a bit more extra care to look after. Even though they’re not the easiest plant you can quickly get used to their individual care requirements.

Is Calathea Stromata a jungle plant?

Yes just like many other species of Calathea, the Stromata plant comes from the tropics so is used to jungle like growing conditions.

Can I keep my Calathea Stromata in the bathroom?

Yes a bathroom is a great place for this plant as it like to be kept warm and humid. As long as your bathroom doesn’t get cold and it receives plenty of indirect light then your Stromata plant should do just fine in a bathroom.

Is Calathea Stromata easy to come by?

Although not as common as other plants, Calathea and being sold more and more often in plant shops around Europe and North America. And if you’re unable to find one in a local plant shop then you should have some luck online.

Do Calathea Stromata plants need to be watered regularly?

Yes they do, they like to be kept moist so it’s important that they are watered often and not allowed to dry out.

Is misting good for Calathea Stromata?

A room with high humidity would be best for this plant but if you are unable to provide that then misting would certaintly be beneficial for a Calathea Stromata.

Should I fertilise my Calathea Stromata every week?

Your plant does not need to be fertilised this week and it can actually be counter productive. It would be more beneficial if you fertilised your Calathea either once a fortnight or once a month.

Calathea Orbifolia is definitely one of the show stoppers of the Calathea world. It is one of the larger species with beautiful wide green leaves that fan out in all directions. If treated well it will put out lots of new growth and can end up taking up quite a large space in your house. To help you with this we have put together this Calathea Orbifolia care guide to get you started. Calathea can be fussy plants but hopefully this should give you a good idea where to start.

Light

Calathea Orbifolia require medium indirect light. They can tolerate lower lighting conditions as long as they have access to some light but will do poorly in bright intense light and will do badly in direct sunlight. Direct light can cause burning and permanent damage to the leaves of your beautiful plant. Instead try and find a place with medium light where it is protected from the sun. A north or east facing room would work great for this Calathea (if you’re in the northern hemisphere).

Watering

You’ll want to water your Calathea Orbifolia fairly regularly as it is a plant that does not like to dry out. Don’t overwater it so that the soil is water logged but you want to moisten it often. It’s important that the pot you use does have drainage holes so excess water doesn’t sit in the pot. You might also find that tap water is too strong for your plant and can cause burning on the leaves. If this occurs then switch to filtered water to get rid of some of the chlorine.

Temperature

Calathea Orbifolia prefer to be kept in higher temperatures so keep your Calathea out of cold rooms and away from windows and doors. However the important thing to remember is that in dry temperatures the air can dry out so make sure that there is plenty of humidity for your plant as well as being in a higher temperature. This means keeping them away from heating systems and radiators.

Soil

Calathea Orbifolia like to be moist so although you’ll want the water to drain from your soil you will want some components to help maintain moisture levels. We would recommend an ordinary potting soil with added peat and perlite.

Propagation

You can’t propagate a Calathea Orbifolia by cuttings, instead you have to do so by root division. As your plant grows, new shoots of will appear out of the soil and grow in their own sections. Once you have established sections your plant is ready to divide. Take the plant out of the pot and work the soil away from the roots. Then gently separate the roots being careful to break as few as possible. Once you have separated the plant make you sure you repot them straight away.

Humidity

Calathea Orbifolia prefer to be kept in medium to high humidity as they originate from the tropics. If the air is too dry you will notice the leaves start to crisp. Misting can also help your plants but if you live in a dry region we would recommend you seriously consider buying a humidifier. Your Calathea plants will definitely thank you for it.

Fertilising

Calathea can be sensitive to fertiliser and the Calathea Orbifolia is no different. It’s important that you use a weak fertiliser as a strong one can scorch the leaves. You might also find that your plant prefers it if you water it first before adding the fertiliser so that the roots suck up the water initially. This will reduce the chances of leaf scorching. Only fertilise your plant during the growing seasons and leave it in the winter months. You can also get away with fertilising your Calathea Orbifolia once a month.

To summarise in order to care for your Calathea Orbifolia you will need:

• Medium indirect light
• Medium to high humidity
• Filtered water
• Weak fertiliser
• Warm temperature
• Peat and perlite based soil mix

Calathea Orbifolia FAQ

Now that you’ve read our Calathea Orbifolia care guide, make sure you check our some frequently asked questions too in case some of the queries you have regarding your Calathea have already been answered here.

How fast does Calathea Orbifolia grow?

Calathea Orbifolia aren’t particularly fast growers but will put out new leaves in the growing seasons if kept under the appropriate conditions.

How do you look after Calathea Orbifolia?

To look after a Calathea Orbifolia we would recommend:

• Medium to bright indirect light
• Frequent waterings
• Filtered water
• Medium to high humidity
• Repotting once a year if necessary

Do Calathea Orbifolia need humidity?

Yes the Calathea Orbifolia needs humidity as it originally comes from the tropics and is therefore used to higher levels of humidity. If the air becomes too dry for your plant you may notice the leaves starting to crisp.

When should I repot Calathea Orbifolia?

Calathea Orbifolia are not known as particularly fast growing plants so once a year should be enough for your plant and you should only need to repot one size up. You may actually find that your Orbifolia doesn’t need repotting every year and you’re able to leave it, try and read what your individual plant needs and remember that ‘repotting once a year’ is simply a guide.

Is Calathea Orbifolia a Calathea Plant?

The clue is in the name, a Calathea Orbifolia does belong to the Calathea family of plants. It may also go by Prayer Plant.

Is Calathea Orbifolia an easy plant to look after?

Calathea plants in general aren’t known as easy plants to look after, they can be fussier than other species and when things go wrong they can do so quickly. However if you follow our care guide then you shouldn’t have too many problems with this fussy plant.

Is a Calathea Orbifolia suitable for a beginner?

As we’ve mentioned they’re not the easiest plant to take care of but there’s no reason why a beginner shouldn’t give it a go, if they’re careful to follow the tips mentioned in the Calathea Orbifolia care guide then they should have no problem.

The Calathea Picturata is known for the intense colour in the centre of its leaves surrounded by a band of green colouring. There are two main types of Calathea Picturata, the crimson and the silver, both equally as beautiful but with a very different feeling to each. Just like many species of Calathea, this can be difficult to look after and can require more care than other houseplants but with our Calathea Picturata care guide, you should get a good idea of how best to look after this plant.

Watering

Calathea Picturata need to be watered often and do not like being left to dry out. Of course this doesn’t mean you should be watering them daily and they won’t do well sitting in water logged soil but feel the top two inches of soil and as it starts to dry out give your plant a drink, do not wait for the for pot to have dried out.

If you are worried about overwatering your plant then a common sign is yellow leaves. If you notice the leaves starting to turn yellow then it is possible that you are actually watering your plant too much. If your leaves curl in on themselves or start to droop then this is a sign that you are underwatering your plant. If you’re struggling to work out when your plant needs watering then consider buying a moisture stick. You can use this to detect the level of moisture in the water and it can be a great indication for when your plant needs watering.

We would also recommend using filtered water for your Calathea Picturata as the chlorine found in tap water can sometimes be too harsh and can burn the leaves of your plant.

Light

Like most types of Calathea the Calathea Picturata needs to be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorching. It will do well in medium to bright light conditions as long as it is protected from direct light. A common sign that your plant is receiving too much light is leaf curling. If the light is too intense for the Calathea then the leaves will start to curl in on themselves for protection. This is a method used to try and conserve water.

Soil

Calathea require a standard well balanced potting mix that drains easily. A good blend would be a generic potting mix with added perlite and orchid bark.

Fertiliser

Calathea Picturata can be sensitive to fertiliser and if the mix is too strong it can cause burning on the leaves. To prevent this we would recommend diluting the fertiliser and using it on your plant approximately once a month during the growing season. If you find the fertiliser is still too strong then try watering your plant before adding fertiliser so that the plant sucks up the water first and the fertiliser gets diluted further. Do not fertilise during the winter months.

Humidity

Calathea Picturata will do well in higher humidity. They can tolerate medium level humidity but will start to suffer in dry air. If the air is too dry for the plant it can cause crisping of the leaves. As this is a plant that likes things moist we would recommend using a humidifier to increase the levels in your home. Our favourite model if the Levoit humidifier as it has a large capacity, hot and cold mist and a humidity detector so you can set your device to put out a certain amount of humidity and it will automate this itself.

Propagation

Propagation of the Calathea Picturata can be done through root division. We would not recommend trying to take cuttings as this is very unlikely to work. Instead take your plant from its pot and gently work the soil away from the roots. Once you have cleared enough soil try to separate the roots while breaking as few as possible. Once you have worked the roots apart you should have a separate segment of plant with its own root system in tact. Plant this in its own pot with soil and repot the original plant.

So to summarise, in order to look after a Calathea Picturata you will need:

• Medium to bright indirect light
• Regular watering
• Medium to high humidity
• Filtered water
• Diluted fertiliser

Calathea Picturata FAQ

Now you’ve read our Calathea Picturata care guide, why not take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions regarding this plant.

Is the Crimson and the Silver Calathea Picturata the same plant?

Yes these are both Calathea Picturata but vary due to their colouring.

Should I get the Silver Calathea Picturata or the Crimson Calathea Picturata?

Which ever one you choose will probably depend on which one you prefer the look of and which one will match your colour scheme better. They both have very similar care needs and are equally as attractive as the other.

Are Calathea Picturata easy to care for?

Calathea Picturata aren’t especially easy to care for, they are known for being fussy plants but if you follow our care guide then you should be able to look after them fine.

Are Calathea Picturata suitable for beginners?

Any plant is suitable for a beginner but as Calathea are known to be quite fussy a beginner may struggle with this plant.

Do Calathea Picturata like to be misted?

Yes, as these plants prefer the air to be quite moist they will respond well to misting. A humidifier would be more beneficial but misting can certainly help your plant.

Why are the leaves of my Calathea Picturata turning brown?

You might find the leaves of your plant turn brown and crispy for several reasons; underwatering, unfiltered water and direct sunlight.

Why are the leaves of my Calathea Picturata turning yellow?

The main reason for this is overwatering. If your leaves are turning yellow it could be a sign that you are watering your plant too frequently. If this is happening to you then consider checking the soil and if it is very wet change your watering schedule.