Calathea

Vibrant Calathea Houseplants

The Calathea is an enchanting houseplant with a brilliant diversity of species! These living works of art are famous for their diverse colour palette and surprising patterns. From deep purple leaves to lush greens with artistic drawings, each Calathea tells its own unique story.
Originally from the tropical forests of South America such as the Amazon, the Calathea finds its home among majestic jungle trees. Here it grows in shelter, so it has grown into a true shade champion. The Calathea, affectionately known as the ‘living houseplant’ or the ‘’Prayer Plant‘’, performs a magic show at night by closing its leaves, to come alive full of energy during the day. And believe it or not, sometimes you can even hear crackling sounds coming from your Calathea!

Is the Calathea air-purifying?

Yes, the Calathea is known for its air-purifying properties. Like many other houseplants, the Calathea has the ability to filter certain toxins from the air and improve the air quality in your home. Among other things, the plant absorbs harmful substances such as benzene, formaldehyde and toluene, which are often found in home environments due to certain furniture, paints and cleaning products.
However, it is important to remember that while plants like the prayer plant can help purify the air, they are no substitute for proper ventilation and a healthy living environment.

Is the calathea poisonous?

No, the prayer plant is fortunately non-toxic and completely safe for children and pets! The plant is therefore confidently listed under our pet-friendly houseplants category.

Is the prayer plant a difficult plant?

In general, Calatheas are considered plants that are not difficult to care for but do require a little more attention compared to some other houseplants. Here are some factors to consider:
Light: Calatheas prefer indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can damage the leaves, while too little light can stunt growth.

Humidity: Calatheas originally come from tropical regions with high humidity. This makes regular spraying with a plant sprayer or placing the plant near a humidifier desirable.
Watering: Calatheas like moist soil, but they do not tolerate soggy roots. It is important to keep the soil slightly moist and prevent it from drying out or becoming too wet. You can use a humidity meter, for instance, for this purpose.

The different varieties of Calathea

Calathea Compactstar

The beautiful leaves of the Calathea Compactstar are light green with dark green markings. The underside of the leaves is coloured purple.

Calathea Orbifolia

This is one of the favourites. The Calathea Orbifolia has unusual, striped leaves. The plant is an eye-catcher in any interior.

Calathea Warscewiczii

The deep green, dark leaves of the Calathea Warscewiczii steal the show in your home. The leaves look like velvet!

How do you care for the Calathea plant?

This cool houseplant, with its beautiful colours and patterns, is like a true work of green art. With a touch of love and attention, this prayer plant will reward you richly.

Watering the Calathea

The Calathea prefers a weekly watering, so make sure you give it a refreshing drizzle of love at least once a week. Too little water is an absolute no-go for the Calathea, but the plant doesn't really appreciate wet roots either. So feel this out in the potting soil each time.
A refreshing sprinkling a few times a month does wonders for its mood and the shine of its leaves.

The ideal location for the prayer plant

The Calathea is not a fan of bright sunlight. The plant feels much more at home in a mostly shady spot.
Avoid placing it directly in front of a window or above a radiator. This is because the Calathea loves a humid environment, and above a radiant radiator it does not feel in its element. This is because a radiator gives off a lot of dry air, as does underfloor heating.

Repotting the Calathea

Are you about to give your Calathea a new home? The plant doesn't need to be repotted any time soon. Once every two or three years is actually enough. Spring is the perfect time, because that is when your houseplant is bursting with extra energy, making it recover quickly and enthusiastically. Choose an ornamental pot that is 20% larger than the current pot and use a waterproof inner sleeve, vulcastrat and a moisture meter. This will give your prayer plant more room to grow and there will be more soil to store water in.

Pruning the Calathea

Pruning a prayer plant is not very complicated. If you take good care of the plant, it will not soon be necessary to prune the Calathea. Old or dead leaves can easily be cut off near the main plant. This way, you ensure that the plant directs its energy to the healthy leaves.

Feeding the prayer plant

In spring, the Calathea often reveals its beautiful new leaves. During these months, it is advisable to give the plant nutrition, as this not only promotes the growth of new leaves, but also helps maintain their vibrant colours. Just be careful not to give too much, excessive feeding can be harmful to both the plant and its roots. During the winter months, when the Calathea is in a dormant state, additional feeding is not necessary.

Calathea diseases and pests

It is good to know that every houseplant is susceptible to plant diseases, but fortunately the prayer plant is generally quite resistant. One possible pest in the winter months is the presence of spider mites. Spider mites can be caused by too dry air around the plant. You can spray the leaves preventively for this. Spraying the leaves not only increases humidity, but also significantly reduces the risk of spider mites.

Buy Calatheas at Green-Bubble

Buy a colourful Calathea at Green Bubble! When you buy a plant, of course you always want the healthiest and most beautiful choice. We strive every day to send you only the highest quality plants. Our plants come directly from the grower.
Want to buy a Calathea but don't feel like going all the way to the shop? At the Green Bubble you can easily order all your houseplants online. We make sure you never have to drag plants around again.
Ease of ordering and beautiful houseplants, that's what the Green Bubble stands for. Want to buy a tropical Calathea? Join the Green Bubble!