DIG THIS
Calathea, also known as Zebra Plant or Peacock Plant, is always on the move!
Through a process called nyctinasty, its leaves will lift at night and lower during the day. Calathea is also a natural air purifier, helping to remove toxins from the air while adding a lush, tropical vibe to any space.
Daily Dedication
Indirect Sunlight
Keep Soil Moist
Pet Safe
INDIRECT SUNLIGHT
AVOID HARSH SUN
The key is to prevent leaf burn. Calathea will throw a tantrum by crisping and curling in direct sun.
FIND YOUR LIGHT
Take a moment to note which direction the windows face in your space. Then tap around the room below to see how the light hits throughout the day.
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SOUTH-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Highest amount of sunlight ⊹
⊹ Consistent light all day ⊹
⊹ Perfect for "full sun" plants ⊹
EAST-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Soft morning sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for low to indirect light plants ⊹
⚠︎ May not be bright enough for "full sun" plants
WEST-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Brightest in the afternoon ⊹
⊹ Warm, golden hour glow ⊹
⊹ Great for indirect-sun lovers ⊹
⚠︎ Can overheat sensitive plants
NORTH-FACING WINDOW
⊹ No direct sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for shade-tolerant plants ⊹
⚠︎ Can be too dim for most houseplants. If this is your only light source, consider using a grow light for your sun-loving plants!
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KEEP SOIL MOIST
Don’t let calathea fully dry out, but also don’t let it stay soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Make sure its pot has good drainage.
Using tap water can often cause brown edges due to its sensitivity to harsh water chemicals. Try using filtered, distilled or rain water for Calathea.
HIGH HUMIDITY
⊹ Truly a diva of the plant world ⊹
Consider using a humidifier to boost humidity levels around a Calathea. A pebble tray can also help, but may not have the best results for the humidity it loves.
SOIL
CALATHEA DIGS A MOISTURE-RETAINING MIX
When choosing a potting mix for this houseplant, look for mixes that include:
PERLITE
PERLITE
Looks like tiny white popcorn bits mixed into the soil. Improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.
ORCHID BARK
Looks like chunky, reddish-brown wood chips. Adds airflow and helps keep soil from getting too dense.
COCO COIR
Looks like fluffy, light brown fibers like shredded coconut husk (what it's made from). Helps hold moisture without making the soil too wet.
COMMON ISSUES
YELLOWING
A sign of overwatering or poor drainage of the pot. Although Calathea prefers moist conditions, soil that remains soggy can lead to root rot.
Remove affected leaves. Dry out soil completely (1-5 days). Adjust your watering schedule for this plant.
If problem persists and/or you suspect root rot: remove from pot, trim away dead mushy roots, and repot in fresh soil.
BROWNING / CRISPING
Often due to low humidity or tap water chemicals.
Try boosting humidity levels with a humidifier and switch to a filtered or distilled water!
FADED/DULL
A sign of not enough sunlight.
Too little light will cause a Calathea’s vibrant patterns to fade. Try moving it to an area with gentle morning sun.
DROOPING
Buckle up! This could mean anything. With an advanced plant like Calathea, it is best to troubleshoot for drooping leaves.
⊹ SOIL CHECK ⊹
Soggy: Likely overwatered or poor drainage. Ensure your pot has drainage holes. Allow soil to dry out a bit. Consider mixing in perlite or orchid bark for extra airflow.
Bone dry: Needs a drink and/or a humidity boost. Water thoroughly until water drains from bottom.
⊹ STRESS ⊹
Temperature changes or repotting can also cause “droopy leaf” stress. Keep its conditions stable and give it time to adjust!
PESTS
Sometimes issues can be the result of a pest infestation. Watch out for these creepy crawlers:
Aphids
Fungus Gnats
Mealybugs
Spider Mites
Thrips
