How to care for your Calathea

How to care for your Calathea

Our guidelines for helping it grow healthy and strong

Calathea sanderiana, also known as the Pinstripe Plant, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to tropical America. At our nursery, we love it for its elegant, striped leaves, which add an exotic and refined touch to any setting. It requires specific care to fully express its beauty.

The right position

Calathea prefers bright, indirect light. It is important to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, which could damage its delicate leaves. Place it in a well-lit room, away from windows where the sun shines directly.

Illustrated guide: placing Calathea near a window with indirect light
The right position for your plant

When and how to water it

During the summer, we recommend watering Calathea every 3 days, while in winter, every 7 days is sufficient. Make sure to water thoroughly, but let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. A good way to check the moisture level is to insert a finger into the soil.

Annual Calathea watering schedule with different frequencies in summer and winter
The annual watering schedule

Temperature and humidity

Calathea thrives in an environment with temperatures between 18°C and 24°C, but it can tolerate up to 30°C. It is essential to maintain a high humidity level of at least 60% to prevent the leaves from drying out.

Thermometer with an ideal temperature range and humidity bar for Calathea
Comfortable temperature and humidity

The right fertilizer

During the growing season, in spring and summer, fertilize your Calathea every 30 days with a balanced liquid fertilizer. This will help the plant maintain its vitality and grow luxuriantly.

The pot and soil

Use well-draining, humus-rich soil made from peat, perlite, and bark. This mix will ensure good drainage and nourishment. Repot the plant when necessary, preferably in spring, to give it enough space to grow.

How to propagate it

Calathea can be propagated by division, a moderately simple method that is most effective during repotting in spring. Be sure to separate the roots carefully to avoid damaging them.

Our final advice

Calathea is a plant that loves attention. Regularly monitor its condition and do not hesitate to move it if you notice signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves. With a little care and dedication, your Calathea will reward you with its unique beauty.

— Giulia's Gardens

Verified care data

This data comes directly from the validated botanical profile used to generate the guide.

Light
medium · Bright indirect light
Watering
3 days in summer · 7 days in winter · Water thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings · Check the soil moisture with your finger
Temperature
18 °C ideal minimum · 24 °C ideal maximum · 15 °C tolerated minimum · 30 °C tolerated maximum
Humidity
high · 60% minimum
Fertilization
Balanced liquid fertilizer · spring–summer · 30 days
Propagation
division · moderate · Division is most effective during repotting in spring