How to care for a Calla lily potted plant, and how to grow a Calla lily potted plant at home.

How to care for a Calathea plant as a houseplant

Today, I will share with netizens some small experiences on how to care for a Calathea plant as a houseplant. Below is a detailed introduction.

How to care for a Calathea plant as a houseplant

Caring for a Calathea plant requires providing it with suitable soil, appropriate temperature, adequate sunlight, proper watering, and regular fertilizing. During the growing period, Calathea requires a higher demand for water, so the soil should be kept slightly moist. Therefore, watering should be frequent, with the standard being that the soil should not be dry. As long as the soil is dry, it can be watered.

Methods and precautions for growing Calathea as a houseplant

Calathea plants have thick leaves that are green and shaped like a heart or arrowhead. They are native to Africa and are introduced ornamental flowers in recent years, belonging to the perennial sturdy herbs.

Calathea comes in many varieties with rich colors. If you want to grow Calathea as a houseplant, you need to understand its growth habits and create a suitable environment for it. I will share some simple tips with you below.

1, Potting soil preparation

Choose a suitable pot for Calathea, preferably a larger one with more drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.

Prepare loose and breathable fertile soil, usually using humus soil, garden soil, and river sand. Humus soil can provide abundant nutrients, and river sand can increase aeration and drainage. Pearl rock, peat soil, etc., can also be used.

2, Sunlight

Calathea enjoys sunlight and requires adequate exposure. In a home setting, it should be placed on a south-facing balcony with plenty of sunlight. In the summer, be sure to shade it to avoid scorching from the intense midday sun.

In other seasons, it can be exposed to plenty of sunlight. Only with sufficient sunlight and photosynthesis can the plant produce nutrients to support its growth, resulting in lush foliage and more flowers.

3, Temperature

Calathea is an introduced flower from Africa, which prefers a warm environment. Therefore, it is not cold-resistant, with the optimal growth temperature being above 16 degrees Celsius.

When the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius in winter, prepare measures for insulation. Do not use cold water for watering. It is best to water in the middle of the day to avoid frostbite to the roots due to low temperatures. In winter, the water can be placed in the sun for a while before watering.

4, Watering

Calathea has a high demand for water during its growing period, and the soil should be kept slightly moist. Therefore, watering should be frequent, with the standard being that the soil should not be dry. Water as soon as it dries.

In the hot summer, pay attention to spraying water to cool down, reducing the temperature and humidity around the leaves and surroundings. In winter, water after letting it sit in the sun for a while, preferably at noon.

5, Fertilizing

To care for Calathea well, fertilizing is also necessary. During the growing period, it is best to fertilize once every two weeks, alternating between decomposed soybean cake water and compound fertilizer.

When fertilizing, be careful not to pour it into the leaf heart to avoid rotting the leaves. Do not apply raw or concentrated fertilizer to avoid burning the roots.

The above is a detailed explanation of how to care for a Calathea plant as a houseplant. I hope this article can help you with green plant management!