Plants
Calathea
Goeppertia (syn. Calathea) · Marantaceae
The calathea, known in German as Korbmarante (basket prayer plant), is the diva among foliage houseplants: patterned leaves that look hand-painted and visibly rise at night, reopening each morning. In our Pempelfort shop we advise honestly before you buy, because she only rewards consistent care with her full beauty. In return she is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs and is harmless to have around children.
- Light
- Bright and indirect, no direct sun. Tolerates partial shade well; harsh midday sun scorches the leaves and fades the pattern.
- Watering
- Evenly slightly moist, never let it dry out and avoid waterlogging. Water with soft, low-lime water where possible and provide high humidity.
- Care level
- Demanding
- Botanical
- Goeppertia (syn. Calathea)
The genus is large and very varied in its markings. Popular are Goeppertia orbifolia with big, silver-striped round leaves, Goeppertia (Calathea) lancifolia, the rattlesnake calathea with narrow, dark-spotted leaves and wine-red undersides, and the peacock calathea makoyana with its fine vein pattern. Roseopicta cultivars such as Medallion and Dottie add pink and wine tones to the leaf.
In floristry and interior planting we use the calathea wherever leaf structure takes the lead: as a solitary plant in a plain pot, in green planters for the bathroom, or as a calm contrast to flowering orchids. Its leaf pattern almost replaces a bloom.
Quality shows in firm, unbent leaves without brown edges and without curled tips. Curled or dry leaf margins are the most common warning sign and almost always mean air that is too dry or hard, limey water. We only pass on plants that do not already arrive with these issues.
Stylistically the calathea suits modern, calm living spaces with indirect light. It loves the company of other tropical plants, because several plants together raise the humidity. A bright hallway, a bedroom or a light-filled bathroom are ideal spots.
Care
- 01Bright but no direct sun; harsh midday sun scorches the leaves and fades the pattern.
- 02Keep the soil evenly slightly moist, never let it dry out and avoid waterlogging; tip off excess water after 15 minutes.
- 03Water with low-lime water where possible: rainwater, filtered or settled water, since lime causes brown leaf edges.
- 04High humidity above 60 percent is essential; mist regularly, use a pebble tray or stand it next to a humidifier.
- 05Keep it warm (18 to 24 degrees), away from cold draughts and not directly above a radiator; in winter not below 15 degrees for long.
- 06From spring to autumn feed weakly every three to four weeks; pause feeding in winter.
Frequently asked
- Is the calathea toxic to cats and dogs?
- No. The calathea is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it one of the safest foliage plants for pet households. Even so, nibbling on the leaves should be discouraged, as large amounts of any plant can irritate the stomach.
- Why does my calathea get brown or curled leaf edges?
- This is almost always air that is too dry or water that is too hard. Move the plant somewhere more humid, mist regularly and water with soft, low-lime water. Direct sun or draughts can also damage the edges.
- Why do the calathea leaves move?
- The calathea is one of the prayer plants: through a small joint at the leaf base it raises its leaves at night and lowers them again in the morning. This sleep movement follows the daylight and is a good sign of a healthy, well-lit plant.
- Is the calathea suitable for beginners?
- Only to a degree. It is not hard to understand but demanding in consistency: high humidity, soft water and even moisture all need to be right. Those who can offer this are rewarded with one of the most beautiful leaf patterns of all. For beginners we often suggest a tougher green plant first.