Introduction

Indoor plants have become an essential part of office decor and indoor landscaping, adding a touch of nature to spaces like offices, lobbies, meeting rooms, and workspaces. They not only enhance aesthetics but also provide numerous health and productivity benefits. While some businesses prefer lush green foliage, others may opt for bright, colorful blooming plants.

One key factor when choosing office plants is ease of care—they should thrive in low-light environments with minimal maintenance. One such plant that fits these criteria is the Calathea plant.

Calatheas come in a variety of species, ranging from solid green foliage to flowering varieties. However, while they are beautiful, they also come with specific care requirements. Below, we discuss everything you need to know before deciding if a Calathea is the right plant for your space.

What is a Calathea Plant?

The Calathea plant is a popular indoor plant, widely used for office decoration and home spaces. Its attractive foliage, featuring vivid green leaves with striking patterns, makes it a favorite among plant lovers.

Calatheas belong to the Marantaceae family, a group of tropical flowering plants native to regions like Africa and South America. Their large, broad leaves allow them to absorb low light efficiently, making them ideal for shaded areas. In their natural habitat, Calatheas grow under the jungle canopy, thriving in humid and warm conditions.

Popular Species of Calathea

There are many species of Calathea, each with its unique leaf patterns and colors. Some of the most popular varieties include:

✅ Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant) – Features long, wavy leaves with dark green markings.
✅ Calathea ornata (Pinstripe Plant) – Dark green leaves with pink or white pinstripes.
✅ Calathea roseopicta – Known for its striking pinkish-red patterns on dark green leaves.
✅ Calathea rufibarba (Furry Feather Calathea) – Unique for its soft, velvety leaves.
✅ Calathea makoyana (Peacock Plant) – Beautiful oval-shaped leaves with intricate patterns.
✅ Calathea orbifolia – Recognized for its large, rounded leaves with silver stripes.

Other Common Names

Calatheas are also referred to as Cathedral Plants, Peacock Plants, Zebra Plants, Prayer Plants, and Rattlesnake Plants.

How to Grow and Care for a Calathea Plant

Calatheas are great indoor plants because they are relatively easy to maintain. However, they do require specific conditions to thrive and maintain their vibrant foliage.

1️⃣ Light Requirements

✅ Prefers bright, indirect light.
✅ Direct sunlight burns the leaves, causing them to lose their vibrant colors.
✅ Since they grow on the jungle floor, they naturally thrive in low-light conditions.
✅ Ideal placement: Near a north- or east-facing window with filtered sunlight.

2️⃣ Watering Requirements

✅ Use distilled, filtered, or rainwater—tap water may contain minerals and chlorine that damage the leaves.
✅ Keep the soil moist but not soggy—Calatheas dislike standing water.
✅ Water once the top inch of soil is dry—usually once a week.
✅ Overwatering leads to root rot, while underwatering causes leaf curling and browning.

3️⃣ Temperature & Humidity

✅ Ideal temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C).
✅ Avoid exposure to cold drafts, air conditioners, or heaters—Calatheas dislike temperature fluctuations.
✅ Prefers high humidity (above 50-60%).
✅ Use a humidifier or place a pebble tray with water beneath the plant to increase humidity.

4️⃣ Fertilizing

✅ Feed with standard houseplant fertilizer every month in spring, summer, and fall.
✅ Avoid fertilizing in winter, as the plant's growth slows down.

5️⃣ Pruning

✅ Minimal pruning required—simply remove brown or yellow leaves.
✅ Pruning helps maintain the plant’s health and appearance.

How Fast Do Calatheas Grow?

Calathea growth depends on the species and care conditions.

✅ Growth rate: Moderate (not too fast or too slow).
✅ Typically grows up to 2 feet tall, making it a compact indoor plant.
✅ Unlike some houseplants, Calatheas will not outgrow their pots quickly.
✅ Blooms rarely occur indoors—except for Calathea crocata, which produces orange flowers.

How to Grow a Calathea Indoors

Calatheas are somewhat temperamental, meaning they require consistent care. The most common issues with Calatheas arise from:

❌ Overwatering or underwatering – Ensure the right balance of moisture.
❌ Low humidity – Keep the air moist with a humidifier.
❌ Incorrect lighting – Keep them in filtered, indirect light.

✅ Ideal Locations: Lobbies, meeting rooms, humid bathrooms, and atriums.

Common Problems & Solutions

1️⃣ Yellowing Leaves

✅ Cause: Overwatering or too much sunlight.
✅ Solution: Reduce watering and move to lower light conditions.

2️⃣ Leaf Curling

✅ Cause: Underwatering or low humidity.
✅ Solution: Increase humidity and ensure consistent watering.

3️⃣ Brown Leaf Edges

✅ Cause: Hard water (chlorine, fluoride) or dry air.
✅ Solution: Use distilled water and increase humidity levels.

How to Propagate Calathea

Calatheas are typically propagated by division, as they do not grow well from cuttings.

Steps to Propagate by Division:
1️⃣ Choose a mature Calathea with multiple stems.
2️⃣ Gently remove the plant from its pot and separate root clumps.
3️⃣ Replant each section in fresh soil, keeping the roots intact.
4️⃣ Water lightly and place in a humid, warm environment.
5️⃣ Keep in bright, indirect light and maintain consistent moisture.

Benefits of Having Calatheas Indoors

✅ Improves air quality – Filters toxins and enhances oxygen levels.
✅ Adds beauty & color – Striking patterns make them a stunning décor piece.
✅ Thrives in low-light – Perfect for offices with limited sunlight.
✅ Increases humidity – Helps create a comfortable indoor atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Calatheas are gorgeous, low-light-loving plants that brighten up indoor spaces. With proper care, they will reward you with lush, vibrant foliage. Whether in an office, home, or lobby, these plants create a calm and inviting atmosphere.

By maintaining consistent watering, humidity, and indirect lighting, your Calathea will thrive for years. If you’re looking for an eye-catching indoor plant, Calathea is a perfect choice!