Calathea is a very beautiful indoor plant with its leaves rich in various colors, adding life and color to the home environment. However, in winter, a relatively cold and dry season for plants, Calathea requires special care. This article will introduce how to properly care for Calathea to keep it healthy and beautiful throughout the winter.
1: Choose a Suitable Lighting Environment
Calathea prefers bright, indirect light. In winter, place it in a bright spot away from direct sunlight to ensure it gets adequate light.
2: Maintain a Suitable Temperature
Calathea thrives in a warm and humid environment, with an ideal growing temperature of 15-25°C. In winter, try to keep the room temperature within this range to avoid damage from temperatures that are too low or too high.
3: Control Moderate Humidity
The air in winter is quite dry, which can cause the leaf tips of Calathea to turn yellow or the leaves to dry out. You can increase humidity by misting the plant regularly or placing the pot in a more humid area to maintain its growth condition.
4: Water Properly
Calathea's growth slows down in winter, so the frequency of watering should be reduced compared to summer. Generally, watering once every 5-7 days is sufficient. Keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot from water accumulation.
5: Pay Attention to Fertilizing
Winter is the dormancy period for Calathea, so frequent fertilization is not necessary. You can apply a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month to provide the necessary nutrients.
6: Regularly Dust the Leaves
There is more dust indoors in winter, which can affect the plant's photosynthesis by preventing light from fully reaching the leaves. We should regularly wipe the Calathea's leaves gently with a damp cloth to keep them clean and clear.
7: Be Mindful of Pest and Disease Control
Winter is a season with fewer pests and diseases, but we should not ignore the possibility of Calathea being infested by pests like aphids and spider mites. If pests are found, use a specific plant insecticide for spraying, but be sure to follow the instructions and dosage to avoid harming the plant.
8: Prune Moderately
Winter is the dormancy period for Calathea, so excessive pruning is not needed. Simply prune any withered or damaged leaves moderately to encourage new growth.
9: Avoid Moving the Pot
Calathea is sensitive to environmental changes, and moving the pot can adversely affect its growth. Therefore, in winter, we should try to avoid moving the Calathea's position frequently.
10: Ensure Proper Ventilation
Although it's important to keep the indoor temperature warm in winter, air circulation is also crucial. Open windows regularly to ventilate, allowing fresh air into the room, which helps with the plant's respiration and nutrient absorption.
11: Protect from Cold
Calathea is very sensitive to cold and can be easily damaged by frost. In winter, place the Calathea away from windows or doorways to avoid direct exposure to cold drafts.
12: Handle Fallen Leaves Correctly
In winter, Calathea may drop leaves, which is a normal part of its growth cycle. We should promptly clean up fallen leaves to keep the pot tidy and prevent decay from causing diseases.
13: Create a Suitable Evaporation Environment
The indoor air is dry in winter. You can place a water tray near the Calathea or use a humidifier to increase the rate of water evaporation and maintain a suitable humidity level.
14: Monitor the Plant's Response
Calathea grows slowly in winter, and its leaf color may appear duller. If you notice yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or other abnormalities, it may be due to improper care or pest/disease issues. We should adjust our care methods promptly or take measures for pest and disease control.
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By following the care measures mentioned above, we can ensure that Calathea remains healthy and beautiful in winter. Proper care regarding light, temperature, humidity, watering, and fertilization is key. Hopefully, everyone can care for their Calathea correctly using these methods to create a vibrant and colorful indoor garden.