Are calatheas good house plants?
About the Calathea Calathea (Marantaceae) are known for their very diverse, colorful, and beautifully patterned leaves. Combined with their ability to grow in lower light conditions, these make very popular house and office plants (bonus as they are pet and child friendly). Calathea is an enjoyable plant that features wild dark and bright colors and vibrant patterns for foliage. It purifies the surrounding air by filtering out many things like carbon monoxide and benzine, a popular toxin found in plastics.Sunlight is crucial for calathea plants because the proper light helps them set and retain their uniquely patterned foliage. The leaves may look washed out if the plant does not receive enough light, and too much light can burn the leaves. In nature, calathea is an understory plant that lives under the tree canopy.Calatheas are known for being fussy plants. Like many indoor plants, they’re native to very moist and tropical locations that are a world away from most of our home environments. Your Calathea may experience leaf drop, browning or other growing pains- especially as it becomes accustomed to a new home.Calatheas grow best in a bright spot, out of direct sunlight. In summer, a position near a north- or east-facing window is ideal. In winter, when light levels are lower, a south-facing windowsill is better.
How often do you water Calathea?
These houseplants like their soil to be evenly moist with little dry periods between waterings. On average, watering tends to be around every 8 days. Calatheas hate overwatering and are susceptible to root rot. To avoid this, put your finger in the soil to identify if the top couple inches of soil have dried out. If the soil is dry, give it a good drink and see if the leaves uncurl in a few hours. Leaf droop is also an indication of underwatering. Your Calathea also prefers consistent temperatures and will likely throw a paddy if there are huge temperature fluctuations.
Can I grow Calathea in water without soil?
If we remove the soil altogether and grow in water, they’ll grow special water roots and be able to absorb all of the water they need when they need it. They’re also picky with the type of water they’re watered with. I only use distilled water for my hydroponic calathea. Despite this, it is actually possible to grow these popular plants in water. If you’re keen to grow houseplants without soil but aren’t sure where to get started with hydroponic gardening for sustainability, then try experimenting with water culture calatheas.
Is calathea a good indoor plant?
It is a type of plant that prefers indirect lighting, which means makes it perfect for indoor usage and office buildings. Calathea plants are popular for indoor purposes because they are generally easy to care for and they look great, offering bright green plants to liven up indoor spaces. Calatheas love humidity so a bathroom is a perfect spot. If you want them out on display in living areas, they’ll generally be ok as long as you keep your calathea draught-free and make time to give the leaves a light mist every few days.Calatheas are not only beautiful to look at; they are also functional. Like all of Air So Pure’s other houseplants van Air So Pure, the Calathea helps purify the air in your home. They absorb pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene, which are often found in household products.
Should I mist my Calathea every day?
Calathea plants prefer high humidity levels, so misting the leaves can be beneficial. However, it’s not necessary to mist the leaves every day. Calathea plants do not need to be pruned but do remove dry and damaged leaves. And as you do so, be sure to check for any infestations.