Rose Painted Calathea Care

This is where stuff goes wrong for many Calathea newbies. This plant can’t stand underwatering, but also hates soaking in water. Water it a couple times per week during the growing period when the top inch (3 cm) of soil feels dry. When the plant is dormant, you can let the soil dry in half before watering again, but never let it go completely dry!

Prune dead and damaged leaves to reduce disease risks and improve your plant’s looks. Other than that, pruning isn’t needed.

Use balanced diluted fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growth period. Don’t fertilize in winter.

Bright but indirect light is best. North, west, and east-facing rooms are ideal. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can damage the foliage.

You’ll need a peat-based potting mix with ⅓ of added perlite. The soil should retain moisture, but also drain well.

You can propagate your Calathea by division. It’s best to do it in spring when you’re planning to re-pot the plant. Take your plant out of the pot and carefully separate leaf clusters with roots. Plant each cluster in a separate pot with new, slightly moist soil, and place it under bright indirect light. Your plant should resume putting out new leaves very soon!

Average room temperatures of 65-75ºF (18-24ºC) will let your Calathea flourish. Don’t let the temperature drop lower than 60ºF (15ºC). Keep the plant away from cold drafts.

There are no specific potting requirements, but your pot should have holes for drainage in the bottom.

Rose painted Calathea is a member of the Prayer plant family, which are named for the way their leaves resemble praying hands when folded at night.