Here at Bloombox Club, we like to think of Calathea plants as the queens of the indoor jungle. With stunning, decorative foliage in shades of glossy green, burgundy, pink and purple, these tropical beauties are some of the most visually stunning houseplants around. 

Calatheas need a little more care and attention than other houseplants, however, the tradeoff for being the proud parent of one of these showstoppers is certainly worth it! 

Not only is the Calathea beautiful to behold, but it’s also a powerful air purifier, natural humidifier and mood booster. From the splendidly striated silver-green Calathea Orbifolia to the pretty pink pin-striped Calathea Ornata, we’ve got over 15 unique Calathea queens to choose from. 

Calathea Plants in the Wild 

Calathea plants are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. In the wild, they grow in shady spots on the forest floor. Also known as ‘prayer plants’, at night their leaves curl up and then gently unfurl in the morning in search of the sun. 

The young leaves hold pools of water which can play host to a myriad of invertebrate life. The leaves are also used for practical and handicraft purposes in their home countries, including to wrap fish in Brazil, and to make decorative rice bowls in Thailand. 

Calathea Plant Varieties 

We have a diverse range of gorgeous Calathea plants to choose from. They differ from one another in leaf shape and size and ornate leaf design. If you prefer more upright Calatheas with elongated, crinkle cut leaves, choose Calathea Rattlesnake, or Calathea Rufibarba. On the other hand, deep purple Calathea Dottie and spectacularly patterned Calathea Medallion are broader and more expansive, perfect for filling an empty space with some dazzling foliage.

How To Care For Your Calathea Plant

Calatheas have a reputation for being a bit diva-ish and it’s true they can be a little fussy. However, if you take some time to understand their needs, you will be rewarded with an opulently beautiful plant that offers a range of wonderful wellness benefits. Plus, the meditative Calathea care processes are the ideal stress-busting hobby. 

Light: Calathea plants like plenty of bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause their colours to fade and their distinctive leaf markings to disappear. They can tolerate some shade (as in their native home on the forest floor of tropical rainforests) but prefer diffused sunlight. 

Humidity: Calatheas like it hot! And by hot, we mean warm and steamy like the humid conditions of their tropical home. To help your Calathea plant stay happy, healthy and humid, be sure to mist its leaves regularly and place it on a pebble tray or near a humidifier. You can also keep your Calathea in the bathroom to take advantage of all that lovely shower steam, so long as it gets enough light. Always keep your Calathea plant away from drafts. 

Water: Keep the soil of your Calathea slightly moist at all times. You can do this by watering when the first 5cm of the soil feels dry. Water thoroughly, but don’t let your Calathea sit in water as this can cause root rot. 

Top Tip - Try watering your Calathea with filtered water, rainwater or tap water that has been left to sit out overnight. 

For even more info on how to care for your Calathea queen and the benefits she offers, check out this handy guide in our very own Plant Care A-Z. 

How Your Calathea Plant Cares For You

With their large, abundant leaves, Calathea plants are extremely efficient photosynthesizers. This means they are excellent air purifiers to have in the home, cleansing the atmosphere of harmful toxins and increasing oxygen levels. 

As moisture-loving tropical plants, they also increase the humidity levels, helping to relieve respiratory and skin symptoms caused by dry air. 

With their stunning, variegated and colourful leaves, Calatheas will brighten up your home and lift your mood. With their gently furling and unfurling leaves, we think these quirky botanical beauties are the perfect bedroom plants, helping you to feel serene, well-rested and refreshed. 

FAQ

Why are the leaves on my Calathea plant curling?

If the leaves on your Calathea plant are consistently curled (not just curling up at night and opening in the morning), then this is a signal of distress. But don’t worry - we’re here to help you figure out what’s going on! Curling leaves are usually a sign of underwatering or too much direct sunlight. 

• If you’ve accidentally let your Calathea's soil dry out completely, give it a good soak until all the soil is evenly damp.
• If the leaves continue to curl after you’ve updated your watering schedule, try using filtered or rainwater as Calatheas can be sensitive to the chemicals in tap water.
• Finally, check whether your Calathea is receiving too much sun, or if it’s not getting enough humidity and adjust conditions accordingly. 

How often should I water my Calathea plant?

Calatheas like their soil to be moist at all times. Water your Calathea plant when the top 5cm of soil feels dry. Lift your Calathea out of its decorative pot and water until you see water come out of the drainage holes. Keep your Calathea elevated until no more water drips out before returning it to its place. 

Regular morning misting will also help keep your Calathea glossy and thriving. 

In general, your Calathea will need to be watered around once a week in the spring and summer and around once a fortnight in the winter months. However, conditions vary in every home so be sure to check in with your Calathea and see if it’s showing any signs of thirst (drooping, curling leaves, turning brown and crispy etc). 

Be sure not to overwater your Calathea as this can cause the roots to rot away. 

For even more info on how to care for your Calathea queen and the benefits she offers, check out this handy guide in our very own Plant Care A-Z.