Calathea Prayer Plant:
Indoor Growing Tips for a Lush and Healthy Plant

If you’re looking for an indoor plant that’s both beautiful and easy to care for, the Calathea prayer plant is a great choice. With its striking foliage and low-maintenance requirements, this tropical plant is perfect for adding a touch of green to any room in your home.

In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to grow a healthy and lush Calathea prayer plant indoors.

Understanding the Calathea Prayer Plant

The Calathea prayer plant (Calathea spp.) is native to Central and South America, where it grows in the understory of tropical forests. It’s known for its broad, oval-shaped leaves that come in a variety of colors and patterns, including stripes, spots, and veining.

One of the unique features of the Calathea prayer plant is that its leaves move throughout the day, opening up during the day to absorb sunlight and closing at night as a way of conserving moisture.

Light Requirements

The Calathea prayer plant prefers bright but indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it’s best to place your plant near a window that receives filtered light or in a room with bright but indirect sunlight.

If you notice your Calathea prayer plant’s leaves are turning yellow or brown, it may be getting too much direct sunlight. Move it to a shadier spot to prevent further damage.

Watering

Like many tropical plants, the Calathea prayer plant needs consistent moisture to thrive. It’s important to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for your plant.

To water your Calathea prayer plant, wait until the top inch of soil is dry to the touch before watering thoroughly. Make sure any excess water drains away from the pot to prevent waterlogging.

Humidity

Calathea prayer plants love humidity. In their native environment, they grow in humid conditions and receive moisture from both rainfall and mist. To mimic these conditions indoors, you can place your plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water or use a humidifier.

If you notice your Calathea prayer plant’s leaves are curling or browning at the edges, it may be experiencing low humidity. Consider increasing humidity levels around your plant by misting it regularly or placing a humidifier nearby.

Fertilizer

To keep your Calathea prayer plant healthy and lush, it’s important to fertilize it regularly. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce fertilization in fall and winter when growth slows down.

Be careful not to over-fertilize your plant as this can lead to burned roots or leaf tips. Follow package instructions carefully and always dilute fertilizer before applying it to your Calathea prayer plant.

Propagation

Calathea prayer plants can be propagated by division in spring or summer when they’re actively growing. To propagate your plant, gently remove it from its pot and divide it into smaller sections, making sure each section has roots attached.

Plant each new section in fresh soil and water well. Keep them in a warm, bright spot away from direct sunlight until they’re established.

Common Problems

Here are some common problems you may encounter when growing a Calathea prayer plant:

• Yellowing leaves: This may be caused by overwatering or underwatering, too much direct sunlight, or pest infestations.
• Brown tips: This may be caused by low humidity levels, over-fertilizing or using hard tap water.
• Leaf curling: This may be caused by low humidity levels or pest infestations.
• Pest infestations: Common pests include spider mites and mealybugs. Treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

FAQ

Q: Can I grow my Calathea prayer plant outdoors?

A: No, Calathea prayer plants are indoor plants and cannot tolerate cold temperatures or direct sunlight.

Q: How often should I repot my Calathea prayer plant?

A: Repotting every 2-3 years is usually sufficient for most indoor plants. If your Calathea prayer plant has become root-bound or is showing signs of stress (e.g., wilting), consider repotting it into a slightly larger container with fresh soil.

Q: Can I prune my Calathea prayer plant?

A: Yes, you can prune your Calathea prayer plant if necessary. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to remove dead or damaged leaves as well as any leggy growth.

Q: How tall does a Calathea prayer plant grow?

A: The height of a Calathea prayer plant depends on the species and growing conditions. On average, they grow between 1-2 feet tall indoors.

In conclusion, growing a healthy and lush Calathea prayer plant indoors is easy with the right care. By providing it with bright but indirect light, consistent moisture, high humidity levels, regular fertilization, regular pruning, and protection from pests and diseases, you can enjoy this beautiful tropical plant for years to come.