Calathea
Calathea Plants - are true showstoppers, celebrated for their bold leaf patterns, rich colors, and elegant movement as their leaves gently open and close with the light. With striking designs in shades of green, silver, purple, and cream, calatheas bring a refined tropical feel that instantly elevates any space. Ideal for indoor living areas and outdoor settings in warm, shaded climates, Calathea plants are perfect for plant lovers who want beauty, texture, and personality all in one plant.
QUICK SPECS
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OUTDOOR
Zone 9a-11
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PATIO
Zone 4a-11
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SOIL TYPE
Rich Moist |
% SUN
70-90% |
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PROPAGATE
By Division/Seed |
GROWTH
Fast |
Calathea Care
Remove old or damaged leaves by cutting them at the base to maintain a clean appearance and encourage new growth. Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust and help the plant photosynthesize efficiently. Repot every 1–2 years or when roots begin to outgrow the container. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid excess moisture retention. Spring is the best time to repot, allowing the plant to recover quickly during active growth.
Planting & Container Size
Plant Calatheas in a loose, well-draining soil mix that retains moisture without becoming compacted. A mix designed for tropical houseplants works well. When planting outdoors, ensure soil is rich and drains well, and choose a sheltered location.
Calatheas grow best in containers that allow gradual root expansion without excess soil. They are non-climbing, self-contained plants and do not require totem poles or supports. While not ideal for hanging baskets, smaller varieties work well in decorative pots for tabletops, shelves, and floor planters depending on size.
Fertilizer
Regular feeding during the growing season helps support vibrant leaf color and healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer at a consistent, light rate. Fertilizer should be reduced during cooler months or periods of slower growth to prevent root stress.
Best Locations
Indoors, calatheas thrive in bright rooms with indirect light such as living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms with natural light, and offices. Their preference for humidity makes them especially well suited to kitchens or bathrooms. Outdoors in warm climates, calatheas perform beautifully in shaded garden beds, under trees, on covered patios, or in protected courtyards. Direct sun should be avoided, as it can fade or scorch the leaves. Outdoor conditions with warmth and humidity often encourage fuller growth and richer coloration.
Before You Plant Outdoors
At the nursery these plants are grown under 20-40% shade cloth. If you plant in a brightly lit area you may experience leaf burn. It is best to acclimate this plant to its environment by keeping it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area over a week or two to avoid stress before planting.
Your Journey Begins Today!
Your Tropical Oasis starts the moment you make today’s purchase. Six months from now, you’ll be showing off your lush, thriving plants from BOTANICAL GROWERS, sharing cuttings and stories with friends and family. And who knows—this could be the beginning of your very own plant nursery!
Note:
Before leaving, plants are inspected, watered, and pruned. Larger plants will be topped to 36" or 48" overall, depending on the variety, if necessary, to facilitate shipping. Your new plants' pot is then bagged to ensure that the soil stays in the pot and not loose in the box. Plants are tissue or kraft paper wrapped and generally secured in place with natural biodegradable peanuts. Plant growing zones listed are a general guide. We recommend checking your local microclimate and doing a bit of extra research on your new plants before planting outdoors. Patio zone recommendations are for summer enjoyment—depending on your winter temperatures, plants may need to be brought indoors for protection.
Zone.9b Zone.10a Zone.10b Zone.11a Zone.11b
