When I started looking for plants for a section of my garden I got into a bit of a dilemma, because I needed to cover the area under the canopy of a leafy tree. So while I needed semi-shade, low-growing plants, I also wanted to add a bit of color. The temperature is very stable and warm in the area where I live, so the answer was almost immediate: I needed Calatheas, many and of all species.
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There are those who
dare to affirm that Calatheas are capricious and dramatic plants, but the truth is that those who have had this experience do so because they never took the time to observe this tropical beauty, to understand its needs and customs. Since we know that no one has time to sit and watch plants all day (it's my dream job, believe me) we have put together all the tricks to take care of them in the warmest seasons of the year.
Calatheas are magnificent plants, because there are also many varieties, so you can play with their shapes, sizes and colors to create beautiful compositions. If you are not lucky enough to live in a warm climate, know that you can have them indoors and they will grow beautiful; especially if you follow this care guide for Calatheas in spring and summer.
Knowing the origins: All about Calathea Calathea
is a name that groups together different species of plants of the Marantaceae family. These rhizomatous, herbaceous, and perennial plants are native to the American tropics, although most varieties come from Brazil and Peru. It is estimated that there are at least 287 varieties of Calatheas, so if collecting plants is your thing, you can start with this species.
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It is believed that the broad and colorful leaves of Calatheas were used by aboriginal peoples to make baskets (those of Calathea lancifolia are elongated and have the ideal shape) or to wrap food, if they are broad-leaved species, although in our time they have a lot of value as ornamental plants. Not only are their blades sturdy and eye-catching, but they combine a large number of designs, patterns, and shapes that are very attractive. A clump of Calatheas will never go unnoticed and they are ideal for adding some color without relying on flowers. Being perennial, they have leaves and live all year round without going through cycles of drought and rest.
Believe it or not, aCalathea can reach up to a meter or a meter and a half in height but only if it is given space to develop, for example when planted directly in the ground. In fact, in these conditions some species of Calathea can develop beautiful white or lavender flowers. If they are planted in pots, they will stay at 50 to 60 cm in height and will rarely develop flowers.
Calatheas in their natural state grow on the rainforest floor, so they are sheltered by the branches of the surrounding trees that filter the light. For this reason, they are considered semi-shade plants. They prefer warm temperatures and it is imperative that they have high humidity levels.
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An interesting detail about Calatheas is that they raise their leaves at night. This movement is called nyctinatia and is nothing more than an automatic response to light stimuli. This occurs because plants with this ability have a device called a pulvinule, which acts as a photocell. When it doesn't get enough sunlight, it commands flexor cells to decrease their turgor, forcing the leaves to fold upward. When the sun rises, it increases the amount of water in the cells (turgor) and forces the leaves to spread completely. This is thought to be to maximize the plant's light absorption and thus optimize photosynthesis processes. It is quite a sight to see how the leaves move in the evening. Please don't be like me, I had no idea about this and the first time I saw it, I thought my plant was sick.
Don't
befooled, even if the temperatures are warm, it can be a bit difficult to find the right spot to make your Calatheas grow beautiful, leafy and colorful. Failure to follow the basic rules of Calatheas care in spring and summer can result in plants with burnt leaves, tiny, weak leaves, poor development, or drained and sad plants. If you're noticing these worrying signs in your Calatheas, don't worry, we'll teach you what you need to do to get them back.
- Watering
We are in the warmest time of the year and Calatheas need a cool, moist substrate that allows the roots to absorb enough water and oxygen. Calatheas need their substrate to always be moist but never waterlogged. Just in case, it's better to lack a little water than to overdo it with watering, because if it gets waterlogged the roots can rot. Always remember to check the drainage holes to avoid this.
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During the first days of summer you should check the substrate to adjust the watering, because with the heat the water evaporates faster so it is very likely that you will have to water a little more frequently. If you don't know if you should water, put your finger inside the substrate. If the first 3 centimeters are dry, it's time to water. You can use a humidity meter, there are some very nice terracotta ones that will tell you when it's time to water.
Remember to water directly at the base of the plant, checking that the substrate is moistened well. Sometimes we make the mistake of watering from above, and the leafy leaves of the calathea can prevent water from reaching the substrate, causing them drought problems.
- Substrate
The substrate is an issue that you must pay a lot of attention to, because if it is not suitable it will have the propensity to retain too much moisture and that is the weak point of the Calathea. To avoid this, it is essential to have a substrate mixture that facilitates drainage, but allows it to retain some moisture.
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In my experience, universal substrate comes in handy, especially if you place a layer of pebbles or the like at the bottom of the pot that allows the plant to drain. If you're a picky eater who prefers to make your own substrate mix, mixtures of peat, sand, and leaf mulch are often used for Calatheas.
- Humidity
The point where everyone tends to struggle when growing Calatheas is the humidity level necessary for the plant to remain supple, plump, and beautiful. In summer you have to be very careful, because although there can be a lot of humidity (depending on the region in which you live), it is possible that the plant is indoors and that you have the air conditioning at full blast to avoid dying of heat. What air conditioning does to your skin, it does to plants: it robs it of all moisture and freshness, leaving it dry and sad.
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You can put on some moisturizer, but your plant needs a gentle spray of water. Get a water spray bottle and use filtered or rested water to gently mist the foliage of your plants once a day. This will make them happy, keep them supple and bright. Prefer to mist your plants during the day, as excess humidity can be counterproductive at night if temperatures drop.
Another great trick (and my favorite) is to group plants with similar characteristics, as they will begin to regulate the humidity themselves without so much problem. This is the perfect excuse to start collecting Calatheas and other Marantaceae.
- Lighting
This is a plant that requires filtered light, that is, forget about putting it on the terrace where the sun's rays kiss its leaves, much less in summer or spring. You can put it in a place where a curtain filters the sun, or you can put it under a taller plant, which helps prevent the sun from burning the leaves, stealing moisture and drying out the substrate.
In summer and spring we may be tempted to leave it outside, because the temperatures are higher and there is more humidity, but you have to be very careful with the location of the plant. It is preferable to either put it under taller and larger plants to protect it or under shade.
- Transplants
Late spring is the perfect time to transplant Calatheas. I like to do this at least once a year, I look for a slightly larger pot that gives extra space to the roots. And that allows the plant to develop better. If you want big leaves and a bushy, beautiful plant, you need room for the roots to expand. Remember to always put pebbles on the bottom to improve drainage and use the right substrate.
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When repotting, treat the roots carefully, remove it from the old pot carefully when the soil is rather dry. You don't need to peel the substrate off the roots, put the entire root ball in the new pot and cover with new substrate. Take the opportunity to water very well once it is located in its new home.
Additional tricks for your Calatheas in Summer and Spring
- The Calathea is a plant that will tell you if it lacks water by curving each of its leaves upwards and leaving them drained in the pot. Don't worry, as soon as you give them enough water, they will return to their natural state. Don't confuse this with the night movement, which folds all the way up like an umbrella, because you could pass it on watering. Always remember to touch the substrate.
- Dry, yellow, or brown tips indicate that the sun's rays are reaching you directly or that you lack moisture.
- Remove wilted leaves regularly, cutting them from the base with sanitized scissors. This will stimulate the growth and development of new leaves.
- Fertilize your Calatheas once a month using liquid fertilizer from the end of April to September, which are the peak times for development and growth.
- Drafts are fatal to Calatheas, this includes air conditioning and heating. Keep them away from windows, doors, and direct air conditioning.
- If your Calathea is losing color, you should keep it away from excess direct sunlight, which tends to discolor the surface of the leaves and end up burning them.
- If the leaves look yellow and the base is black, you may be overwatering. One of the
- great advantages of Calatheas, in addition to the fact that they are beautiful, is that they are safe for children and pets, as they are not toxic even if ingested.
What you should NOT do with your Calathea in Spring-Summer
- Take it outside, so that it can defend itself. High temperatures and the sun's rays will end up burning the leaves of your plant.
- Overwatering because it's summer and it's hot. This will cause the roots to rot, eventually killing your plant. It is better to lack water than to have leftovers, because from a drought it can recover but if the roots are affected, there is no going back. Always remember to check the substrate.
- Put it near the air conditioner. The cold and drafts will kill her. Calathea is tropical and prefers the warmth of summer.
- Transplant in open spaces, in full sun. The roots are delicate and always suffer during a transplant, but if you allow the sun to hit them directly it can scorch them.
- Spray large amounts of water on the leaves, as the excess water will act like a magnifying glass and if it gets some sun, it can burn the leaf. Use a water spray or sprayer.
- Water directly with tap water. Ideally, you should use rainwater, but if this is not possible, use tap water that you have let sit for at least 24 hours.