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TürkçeCalathea
Goeppertia spp. (syn. Calathea) · Houseplant
Grown for its boldly patterned leaves, which fold up at night and open again in the morning. It is not hard to keep but dislikes change: dry air, hard water and cold drafts show up quickly as brown edges. A warm, humid, softly lit spot suits it best.
💧WaterWhen the top 1 in dries, about weekly (estimated)
☀️LightMedium, indirect
🐾PetsNon-toxic
Care at a glance
- Light
- Medium, indirect light; no direct sun
- Water
- Keep evenly moist; water when the top 1 in dries
- Soil
- Airy, moisture-holding mix with bark or perlite
- Temperature
- Best 65–80 °F; keep above 60 °F
- Pot size
- 6–8 in pot; repot every 1–2 years
- Pot
- Drainage hole required
- Growth
- Moderate; new leaves unfurl spring to summer
- Lifespan
- Perennial; many years
When?
Repot or divide in spring or early summer. Avoid moving it around in winter, when low light and dry heated air already stress it.
Step by step
- Place in medium light away from windows with hot afternoon sun.
- Water with soft, room-temperature water; rainwater or filtered water helps if tips brown.
- Keep humidity above about 50% with a humidifier or pebble tray.
- Feed monthly in spring and summer at half strength.
- Trim brown leaves at the base of the stem.
- Keep away from heaters, air conditioners and cold doors.
- Divide in spring by separating clumps with their own roots.
Common problems
Crispy brown leaf edgesLow humidity or hard water; raise humidity and switch to softer water.
Leaves curling tightly by dayThirst or too much light; check soil and move away from direct sun.
Faded patternToo much light; move to a shadier spot.
Yellow leaves, wet soilOverwatering; let the top layer dry and check drainage.
Pets
Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Chewed leaves may still cause mild stomach upset. If in doubt, ask your vet.
Related tools
Similar plants
Sources
This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.