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Calathea

Goeppertia species · Marantaceae

Fussy Pet-safe 18–27°C
Care at a glance
LightMedium indirect light. Direct sun fades the patterning that makes it worth growing.
WaterKeep evenly moist, never soggy. Sensitive to tap water — filtered or rainwater is noticeably better.
HumidityHigh. Below about 50% it struggles and edges go crisp.
SoilPeat-based, moisture-retentive but draining.
Temperature18–27°C
PetsNon-toxic to cats and dogs.

One of the few genuinely pet-safe statement plants, which is often the reason to accept the fuss.

Common problems

What usually goes wrong

Crispy brown edges

What you see: Margins curl and go crisp
What it usually means: Dry air or tap-water minerals — the two classic calathea problems.

Curling leaves

What you see: Leaves roll inward during the day
What it usually means: Thirst or heat. Leaves naturally fold at night; daytime curling is a signal.

Faded pattern

What you see: Markings wash out
What it usually means: Too much direct light.

Diagnose your own Calathea

Point your camera at a leaf and BloomCraft tells you what it sees — free, no account.

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