Calathea care: the complete guide to healthy leaves

In this guide, I will share my best care tips and tricks for your Calathea, straight from the heart of a plant lover and Calathea expert.

1. An introduction to the Calathea

Before we dive deeper into Calathea care, let's first consider what makes the Calathea so special. The intriguing leaf patterns and vibrant colors make this plant one of the most beloved houseplants in the Netherlands. Popular varieties include the Calathea Orbifolia, Calathea Ornata, Calathea Zebrina, and Calathea Rufibarba — each with its own leaf shape and markings, but with largely the same care requirements.

2. Choosing the perfect Calathea

The first step toward a healthy plant is selecting a good specimen. Look for a plant with firm, vibrant leaves without brown edges or yellow spots. Also, inspect the underside of the leaves, as early signs of pests like spider mites are visible there first. At The Green Bottle Garden, our plants are carefully pre-inspected for quality, but it is always wise to check the condition of the leaves yourself at home as well.

3. Is the Calathea toxic to cats and dogs?

A question we are often asked: is the Calathea safe for pets? The good news is that the Calathea is not toxic to cats or dogs. Should your pet happen to nibble on a leaf, it may cause mild stomach or intestinal irritation at worst, but there is no risk of serious poisoning. This makes the Calathea one of the safer choices for households with animals — although it is always wise to keep your plant out of reach of curious feline noses, simply to prevent damage to the leaves.

4. Lighting for your Calathea

Calatheas thrive best in indirect light, mimicking their natural habitat under the rainforest canopy. Never place your Calathea in direct sunlight: the leaves will burn quickly and develop permanent brown or white patches. A spot a few meters away from a north- or east-facing window, or behind a sheer curtain at a south- or west-facing window, usually works best.

5. Watering: the basics

Watering your Calathea is simpler than you might think. Water as soon as the top centimeter of soil feels dry, so the plant stays hydrated without becoming soggy. Preferably use room-temperature rainwater or filtered water: Calatheas are sensitive to the lime and fluoride in tap water, which manifests as brown leaf edges.

6. Common leaf problems (and how to solve them)

Do you recognize any of the symptoms below in your Calathea? Here are the most common problems, the causes, and what you can do about them.

Why are my Calathea's leaves turning brown?

Brown edges or tips are usually a sign of air that is too dry, lime-rich tap water, or too much direct sunlight. Carefully remove affected areas and address the cause: more humidity, different water, or a shadier spot.

Why are my Calathea's leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves usually indicate overwatering or root rot. Check if the pot has good drainage and let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. A single yellow, older leaf at the bottom of the plant is normal and part of the natural growth cycle.

Why are the leaves of my Calathea shriveling?

Shriveled, dried-out leaves usually point to a lack of water or, more commonly, humidity that is too low in the home. Especially in winter, when the heating is on, the air can quickly become too dry for a Calathea. Increase the humidity (see chapter 8) and check if the soil is not consistently too dry.

Why are my Calathea's leaves curling up?

Curling leaves are often a reaction to too much direct sunlight or dry air — the plant is trying to limit transpiration. Move your Calathea out of the sun and increase the humidity. Underwatering can also cause leaves to curl, so always check the soil first.

Why are my Calathea's leaves drooping?

Limp, drooping leaves usually point to a water-related issue: both too much and too little water can have this effect. Feel the soil first. If it is soaking wet, there is a good chance of overwatering or early root rot. If the soil is bone-dry, water the plant gently, and it will often recover within a day.

What is root rot and how do I recognize it?

Root rot is caused by consistently soggy soil, often in combination with a pot without proper drainage. Signs include a musty odor from the pot, limp leaves that don't recover after watering, and brown, mushy roots when repotting (instead of firm, white roots). Remove the plant from the pot, trim away affected roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.

8. Creating a humid, luxurious environment

Calatheas love high humidity, ideally around 50-60%. Place the plant on a tray with pebbles and water (ensure the pot itself is not sitting in the water), use a humidifier, or group your Calathea with other plants. Misting helps temporarily but is less effective than structurally increasing the humidity in the air.

9. Soil and pot

Repot your Calathea into a pot that is just slightly larger than the root ball and has good drainage holes. A beautiful pot or terrarium will make the plant truly shine. Choose an airy, moisture-retaining potting mix specifically for houseplants, optionally supplemented with some perlite for extra drainage.

10. The right temperature

Keep your Calathea in a stable environment with temperatures between 18-24°C. Avoid drafts, cold windowsills in winter, and sudden temperature fluctuations — these are all common causes of limp or curling leaves.

11. Feeding during the growing season

Feed your Calathea every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength. In autumn and winter, when the plant is barely growing, you can stop fertilizing to prevent over-fertilization.

12. Pruning and maintenance

Maintain the beauty of your Calathea by carefully trimming away damaged or discolored leaves. Always cut into the brown, discolored part and leave the green leaf as intact as possible — this helps the plant heal faster and keeps it looking well-groomed.

Frequently asked questions about the Calathea

How often should I water my Calathea? On average once or twice a week, but always check the soil first: only water when the top centimeter feels dry. In winter, the plant needs less water than in summer.

Is the Calathea toxic to cats? No, the Calathea is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs. Ingestion of a leaf may cause only mild stomach irritation at most.

Why do my Calathea's leaves close at night? This is normal behavior and not a sign of stress. The Calathea moves its leaves based on a day-and-night rhythm (so-called "prayer plant" behavior) and folds them upward in the evening, only to reopen them during the day.

How often should I repot my Calathea? On average once every 1-2 years, or as soon as you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Preferably repot in the spring, at the beginning of the growing season.

Conclusion

Caring for your Calathea comes down to a few simple basic principles: indirect light, evenly moist soil, high humidity, and a stable temperature. With these tips, you will not only maintain a healthy plant but also add that little bit of extra green atmosphere to your interior.