Foliage

Calathea leaves are often large and colorfully patterned.^[3] The leaves are often variegated with bright colors such as pink, orange, red, and white.^[4] The underside of their leaves are frequently purple.^[4] During the night, the leaves fold up.^[3] In the morning, the leaves unfurl in search of the morning sun.^[3] This phenomenon, known as nyctinasty,^[3] is made possible by a small joint the plant possesses between the stem and leaf, called a pulvinus.^[4]

Flowers

Calathea flowers can be yellow, purple, and white and bloom in the summer.^[3] The flowers have an asymmetrical structure with three petals and three free sepals.^[4] Calathea bracts are often more attractive than its flowers.^[4]

Light

Like the shady floors of the tropical canopies, this genus prefers low to medium light.^[3] Too much direct sunlight can damage their fragile leaves. Signs of too much sun exposure may result in sunburn or dullness in the color of the leaves.^[3]

Temperature and humidity

Along with low to indirect light preferences, these plants require high humidity to mimic their natural habitat .^[3] Some calatheas are placed in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas with high-moisture levels.^[3] Calatheas prefer temperatures 60 °F / 15 °C and above to support healthy growth.^[3] These plants are also sensitive to cold air. The ideal temperatures range for these plants is 75 °F / 23 °C to 85 °F / 29 °C.^[3]

Water

Calatheas should be kept moist but not wet, never fully drying out between waterings.^[3] Over- or under-watering these plants can lead to root rot or brown, dry leaves.^[3] Calathea are sensitive to chemicals and certain heavy metals and minerals found in tap water, mainly chlorine and fluoride.^[3] A buildup of excess salts and chlorine solids can also be seen with brown leaf-edges, as the plant may be unable to expel all of its absorbed minerals, post-watering. Therefore, many collectors recommend only watering these plants with distilled water, and being gentle on fertilizer, as well; still, despite the plant’s chemical sensitivities, other gardeners advise against solely using distilled water, as it is devoid of all possible nutrition, and recommend alternating between distilled, reverse osmosis and spring water.

Growing medium

Ideal soil conditions for calatheas should be porous and well draining.^[3] Drainage is very important for calatheas due to root rot. A light porous soil and pot with a drainage hole will ensure the plant's delicate root system is not over-watered. Calatheas prefer the soil to be moist but not overwatered. The species also prefers an acidic soil pH.

Cultivars

The genus Calathea is expansive and is not short of many cultivars. Cultivars include:

• Calathea 'Beauty Star'
• Calathea 'Dottie'
• Calathea 'Eclipse'
• Calathea 'Flame Star'
• Calathea 'Freddie'
• Calathea 'Indri'^[4]
• Calathea 'Leopardina'
• Calathea 'Mia'^[4]
• Calathea 'Misto'
• Calathea 'Pinstripe'
• Calathea 'Rattlesnake'
• Calathea 'Roseopicta'
• Calathea 'White Star'
• Calathea 'Zebrina'^[3]

Houseplants

The species was first introduced as a houseplant in the 1970s and 1980s.^[4] Over the years, calatheas have become a popular houseplant because of their attractive leaves.^[3] Calathea are also grown outdoors in Hawaii and southern Florida.^[3] Unlike their wild counterparts, few indoor-kept calathea will flower.^[5]

Propagation

Plant propagation is the process of creating an offspring of a plant through a mother plant. Calathea achieve propagation through division.^[5] To successfully propagate a calathea, one needs to have a healthy established mother plant. After removing the mother plant from its pot, one can gently separate the plant into smaller parts.^[5] Once the calathea has been successfully divided, each new grouping must be planted in its own (well-draining) pot. The newly established calathea will soon shoot out new leaves and continue to grow.