How to care for a potted calathea
Compared to the common knowledge of potting calathea and the steps of calathea cultivation for most people, let's learn more about it together.
Colorful calatheas can also bloom when potted at home.
Calatheas come in a variety of colors and species. The most common flower colors are white and yellow, but there are also red, pink, purple, and others. Some leaves have small spots, making them particularly unique. Enthusiasts of growing calatheas should note that calatheas are poisonous, so extra care should be taken during planting and ingestion should be avoided. Calatheas prefer to grow in warm environments and do not like the air to be too dry. If your home environment meets the growing habits of calatheas, it is quite easy to cultivate them at home. Below, I will share some tips on how to grow calatheas.
1. Temperature
Calatheas have high requirements for the environment, with a temperature range of 18-25°. In spring, the temperature may not be sufficient for calathea growth, but the daytime temperature is still suitable. When the night temperature drops, calatheas need to be moved indoors. Potting is a good choice, while outdoor planting is only possible for ground-grown plants. For calatheas to bloom, the most critical factor is sunlight, which should not be blocked by high temperatures, so growing calatheas requires careful attention, otherwise they can easily wither.
2. Soil
Calatheas are not particular about soil, and the soil commonly used for planting flowers is fine, provided it is loose and breathable, and mixed with some decomposed leaf soil, which is beneficial for the growth of calatheas. Moreover, the soil should have a certain water retention capacity, but it must be breathable. Some sand or peat soil can be mixed into the soil to ensure it remains loose and breathable. The pot used for planting should have a deep base and a good drainage system to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
How to care for a potted calathea
3. Watering and Fertilizing
Calatheas enjoy sunlight and therefore rely on water to some extent. In spring, when the weather is neither too cold nor too hot, water evaporates slowly, so watering can be based on the soil's moisture level, keeping it slightly damp. When the weather gets hot, the watering amount can be increased, but avoid waterlogging. In addition to watering, it's also important to spray water around the plant to keep it moist. Calatheas require fertilizing once during their spring growth stage and once before blooming, with every two weeks application of potassium dihydrogen phosphate. Fertilizing should stop in autumn and completely cease in winter.
4. Repotting
Calatheas are perennial plants that need to be repotted every year. Some roots may grow too quickly and overflow the pot base, which is not conducive to the growth of calatheas and may affect blooming. Therefore, it's necessary to manage them every year. The best time for repotting is in spring when the weather is good. During repotting, remove the old soil, wash the roots clean, check for rotting areas, trim the roots, and then plant in new soil. After some time, the plant can be cultivated normally.
The above (Green Enthusiast Network) introduces the full content of how to care for a potted calathea and the steps of calathea cultivation, hoping to help you and also hoping that everyone will visit the Green Enthusiast Network for more green plant and flower experience and common sense!