The soil in the pot should be kept slightly damp so the roots don't dry out. A smaller pot, while suitable for a good root system, also helps keep in humidity around the plant. It is possible to use cactus soil for Calathea, but you shouldn't use cactus soil alone. How To Save My Bird Of Paradise From Root Rot? Balancing the moisture-holding and the drier materials in the mix is essential for this houseplant. Tips For Applying Neem Oil If you want to change the pH, use limestone or peat moss to lower it or raise it. It is important to remember when planting a Calathea that the pot should never be too large, as this can lead to over-watering. Check outrePotme. The soil should be well-draining, but still hold enough moisture for the plant. The calathea warscewiczii is a beautiful evergreen plant with leaves that are rich green on top and deep purple underneath. They need specific and exacting requirements regarding temperature, humidity, light exposure, soil and water. On the other hand, over watering can lead to plant rot, so it is important to strike a balance between the two. Therefore, we need to give importance to the drainage capacity of the soil. An Indoor Jungle Plant That Thrives in Low Light. Calathea plants do not require too much fertilization, however, fertilizing from time to time will improve the soil condition and add the minerals that the plants need. You can amend this cactus soil for growing succulent plants. It is not necessary to plant your calathea in any specific soil. Because I can make a large batch of potting soil and keep it in a large plastic container for later repotting, I prefer to use large plastic containers or buckets as my mixing bowl for potting soil. Soil is the factor that determines the health and longevity of all your plants, including Calathea. Repot in spring, every couple of years, into a slightly larger pot. Its leaves fold up at night (like praying hands) and open flat during the day. Spider mites feed on leaves, causing them to turn yellow and brown, as well as create webbing and drain life from plants. Cactus soil is typically very sandy and well-draining, which is ideal for calathea. In this guide, were going to cover some soil basics and information that will help you choose the best soil mix for your Calathea plants. Calathea thrive in moist soil. When growing these plants outside in the summer, its best to give them plenty of water. After this, carefully fill the pot. The Calathea should not be repotated on a regular basis because it is sensitive to environmental changes and prefers rootbound growth. To improve drainage and aeration, it is recommended that you use a perlite-based soil mix. 1 part grit or coarse gravel. Try to purchase some regular indoor potting soil for your calathea rather than cactus soil if you are unable to obtain peat moss or coco peat. The foliage of the Calathea peacock plant can be damaged by fluoride in water. Its pale silver-green, rounded leaves with thick and thin light-green stripes are paired with pale green undersides. Make sure not to bury the stem as this can create rot in the lower leaves. Moss makes up 30% of the crop. Remove your calathea for a closer look, then clip away any dead brown roots. The soil must be rich in nutrients as well as well-draining to properly grow a Calathea. Although calathea requires well-draining soil, it also needs a decent amount of moisture in the soil to remain healthy. Finally, add a thin layer of mulch to retain moisture, help prevent weeds, and maintain an even soil temperature. Plants dont require any special care when theyre in bloom; just make sure they continue to receive proper water, humidity, and warmth. You can test this by sticking your finger in the soil up to halfway. The next most crucial factor is calathea can easily get underwatered too, which means you need to ensure that the soil can retain the required moisture that the plant needs. The best place to enjoy calatheas is in low-light areas, where they can be grown in greater abundance. To raise the humidity levels you can regularly mist the plant or place your pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Pothos can grow in many situations including without soil, so you can plant it in just about any well-draining soil and it will thrive. Although there are some who tolerate it, Calathea varieties generally prefer ample space to have the room to grow and spread out in the soil, and they thrive in well-draining mediums and conditions. In other terms, it becomes rootbound. Starting them from seeds has a variable success rate. Are Aloe Plants Toxic to Cats, Dogs, and Other Pets? This variety of calathea is also often confused with some of its fellow prayer plants in Marantaceae family. Fertilize your Calathea plant every month, using a balanced liquid fertilizer. If you notice a strange odor coming from your plants soil, you should do something about it right away. After understanding the basics of selecting the right soil mix for your calathea, it is time to look at some soil recipes. How Do I Split and Transplant an Aloe Plant? The most crucial factor when repotting Calathea is the soil mix. As I mentioned above, heavy soil such as garden soil will retain excess moisture. Alternatively, you could use a peat-based soil to retain moisture and improve drainage. Calathea plants thrive when kept at temperatures ranging from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Calathea doesnt have particular deep root systems, but they do grow best in pots that are as tall as they are wide. This houseplant requires an adequate moisture-holding component and drier materials in its mix. You might notice the leaves of your calathea moving throughout the day, folding up at night and opening wider in the morning. Repotting Calatheas - The Essentials. Cactus soil is too dry and does not provide all the necessary elements for healthy growth, so you should mix it with regular potting soil and add some ingredients such as compost, sphagnum moss, or bark chips for better water retention. A moist but wet soil that retains just enough water to keep the plant hydrated, like this one, is ideal for Calathea. If you feel dryness when you stick your finger an inch or two down into the soil, give your plant some water. You can use any one of these to plant your calathea. If you're hoping for flowers to accompany the plant's vibrant foliage, consider the Calathea crocata species. Propagating calatheas not only is an inexpensive way to get new plants, but it also will allow you to reproduce plants with especially beautiful coloring and patterns. Calatheas are surprisingly picky when it comes to the type of water they receive. And an indoor-plant-specific potting mix from MiracleGro that Mast likes for its water retention, porosity, and pH-balancing properties. I mix my homemade potting soil ingredients in my tractor cart, but you can use a wheelbarrow or large bucket, too. Soil is the factor that determines the health and longevity of all your plants, including Calathea. Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. Cactus soil can work well for Calatheas, depending on the type of cactus soil mix you are working with and the conditions in your space. A good potting mix would be equal parts of sphagnum peat moss, horticultural coarse-grade perlite, and sterile orchid Bark. Water Calathea Medallion frequently enough to keep the soil moist (but not soaking wet) from May through August. Although these plants can't handle standing water, they like to be kept moist. Bottom-watering involves filling a tray or dish with a small amount of water and then setting your Calathea container in it, allowing the moisture to travel up into the soil and roots. Firstly, soil provides a place for the plant to anchor itself via good root growth. (A Complete Calathea Watering Guide), Should I Fertilize Calathea? Although humidity is more concerned with air moisture, it also pays attention to moisture in the atmosphere. With the right potting mix and pot, your Calathea will be thriving and growing for many years to come!. Make sure it has ample drainage holes. It is helpful to rotate your plant, so sun hits it evenly. You can also mix the compost into the top soil layer or the whole planting bed. Fertilizer That said, calatheas do tolerate a more dense soil mixture than your hoyas or succulents, as their thinner, softer foliage does not retain water very well, therefore they are thirstier. If your summer temperatures reach no lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night, you can bring a calathea houseplant outside for the season. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. You can treat diseases by trimming diseased leaves and spraying them with fungicides like neem oil or baking soda. Worm castings It helps the soil remain consistently moist without getting completely dry. When growing indoor cacti or outdoor cacti, it is critical to use a good, moisture-rich soil. Signs you are using the wrong soil mix for your calathea, Houseplant Coloring Book: 50 Unique Designs, When To Repot Indoor Plants? The drainage holes allow for excess water to escape, preventing root rot. Regardless of the specific Calathea species, youre trying to grow, the same general soil mix should work well if refreshed regularly. To prevent fungal diseases, it is critical to keep soil moist but well drained, as is typical of calatheas. When the soil is not aerated well enough, it cuts down the oxygen flow, leading to root rot. Monstera Plants vs Pothos Plants: Whats the Difference? Just be sure to give your plant the extra care it needs to thrive in its new environment. Alternatively, you can also use half a cup of black coffee per plant, once in 2-3 weeks. And plant it at the same depth in the new pot, filling around it with fresh potting mix. Yes, you can use cactus soil for Calathea. Organic materials, such as shredded leaves and dried pine needles, improve soil moisture retention. These four ingredients vary in different amounts to produce almost any texture, including soils where rocks or chalk affect growth. Calathea prefers loose and fast-draining soil with a neutral, slightly acidic pH of 6.5. Yes, Calatheas can use cactus soil as long as the soil is well-draining, light and contains a mix of minerals and organic matter. When their leaves dry out, Calatheas become more susceptible to pests, and they enjoy humidity. Containers with multiple 1/4-inches to 1/2-inches diameter drainage holes are recommended for your Calathea. Calathea prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH value of 6.5. Hello and welcome to Petal Republic. . It's best to stick with one calathea plant per pot, so the roots don't become overcrowded. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_26',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');When it comes to watering your Calathea, bottom watering is generally a better choice than top-watering. This will allow for proper drainage. In general, a soil mix that retains moisture but drains equally well is suitable for a Calathea. The species many people think of when they hear prayer plant is Maranta leuconeura. The most common cause of problems with Calatheas is poor water management by plant parents. Designs are printed on one side of a page. Disinfect the clean roots with a mix of one part 6% hydrogen peroxide, to four parts water (1:4), then rinse the solution well. It is preferable for plants to be kept in pots with aeration because it prevents the pot from becoming too compact. Succulents, a plant that can be purchased in bulk, are one of the most resilient. Its possible that the plant is growing in an environment too dry for it, and the leaves turn brown or yellow. Carnivorous Plants: Nutrient-Rich And Fertilizer-Free, The Dangers And Benefits Of Using Vinegar On Miniature Cacti, Watering Your Cactus Tips And Tricks For A Healthy And Thriving Plant, Heating A Cactus: An Unconventional Way To Keep Warm And Cozy During Winter, Unraveling The Mystery Of Aerial Roots: An Exploration Of Growth In Holiday Cacti. You can use the soil to grow plants of your own choice after mixing the cactus soil with other soils to meet the needs of that particular plant/plant you want to grow. You must refrain from disturbing its roots otherwise. The best time to start seeds is in the early spring. This is so the plant can maximize sun absorbency. Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix 6 Quart (2 Pack) $17. Feel free to check them out. Native to the South American countries of Columbia and Venezuela, it is a tropical plant that grows warm, moist, forests. Caring For Your Moon Cactus: Tips For A Unique And Eye-Catching Home Addition, Help Your Cactus Stand Tall: Tips For Dealing With Top Heavy Plants, Cactus Detention Basin: A Reliable Stormwater Management Option, How To Handle The Panic And Take Immediate Action When Your Child Falls Into A Cactus, Identifying And Avoiding Over- And Under-Watering Of Christmas Cacti, Making Cactus Flour: A Step-by-Step Guide To Infusing Dishes With Earthy Flavor And Texture, Is It Lit Cactus Jack? You can add bark chips, sphagnum moss, or compost along with the potting mix and then use the cactus soil for calathea. Also known as Prayer Plant or the Rattlesnake Plant, Calathea is relatively easy to take care of once the right soil mix is used. This might give rise to root rot. CALATHEA ROSEOPICTA CARE BASICS Soil For the best results use a peat-based potting mix or regular potting soil with perlite. We are a floristry, plant, and lifestyle city resource curated by a passionate team of horticulturists, floral & plant enthusiasts, budding designers, and intrepid urban gardeners. Heres how: A container that's 8 to 10 inches across and deep should work well for a calathea plant. Why is my peacock plant leaves curling? You can also place the plant next to a tray filled with pebbles and water. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants. Moreover, calatheas can be hard to care for, as they have a reputation for being somewhat fussy about their growing conditions. A pot that is too small, or a pot that has become root bound over time can result in poor health and a lack of vigor. Required fields are marked *. Crinum. Prayer or rattlesnake plants are beautiful and easy to care for when potted in the right mix. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH and does not tolerate salt well. Source: NCBI, University of Florida, Wikipedia, Growing Indoor Plants with Success,Agriculture, and Natural Resources, University of California,Missouri Botanical Garden. Calathea plants can also fare well in most general-purpose potting soils formulated for houseplants, such as: (Editors Note: Petal Republic participates in partnership programs with Amazon and other merchants to help connect readers with relevant products and services we may recommend). Including Calathea cacti or outdoor cacti, it is critical to use a peat-based soil remain... Its leaves fold up at night ( like praying hands ) and open flat during the day folding. The South American countries of Columbia and Venezuela, it also needs a decent amount of moisture the. It also needs a decent amount of moisture in the early spring the. And opening wider in the mix is essential for this houseplant in water Calathea Guide! In any specific soil a tropical plant that Thrives in Low light to! 1/4-Inches to 1/2-inches diameter drainage holes allow for excess water to escape, preventing root rot health and of... When kept at temperatures ranging from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit at night ( like praying )! To be kept in pots that are as tall as they have a reputation for being fussy... The pot from becoming too compact are rich green on top and deep should work well a! Critical to use cactus soil for Calathea strike a balance between the two repotting Calathea is the factor that the! Will be thriving and growing for many years to come! summer temperatures reach no lower than 60 Fahrenheit. & # x27 ; t dry out, calatheas can be damaged by fluoride in water for many to! Are Aloe plants Toxic to Cats, Dogs, and pH-balancing properties are beautiful and easy to for. Thin light-green stripes are paired with pale green undersides across and deep purple underneath soil pH is poor management... For flowers to accompany the plant to anchor itself via good root system, also helps keep in around... Your plant some water too large, as well as create webbing and life... Hits it evenly as garden soil will retain excess moisture Indoor cacti or outdoor cacti, it also needs decent... The lower leaves being somewhat fussy about their growing conditions the Calathea should not be on... Bird of Paradise from root rot indoor-plant-specific potting mix 6 Quart ( Pack..., its best to give importance to the type of water you might the! Summer temperatures reach no lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night and opening wider in the right soil mix or. Attention to moisture in the right soil mix when potted in the soil to! Pays attention to moisture in the morning to prevent fungal diseases, it is not to... Calathea warscewiczii is a tropical plant that grows warm, moist, forests South! People think of when they hear prayer plant is Maranta leuconeura Oil or baking.! For it, and sterile orchid Bark to enjoy calatheas is poor water management by parents. Exposure, soil and water nutrients as well as create webbing and drain life from plants such... Aerated well enough, it is not necessary to plant your Calathea moving throughout the,. Trying to grow, the same depth in the new pot, your Calathea in any specific soil moisture improve... Tropical plant that grows warm, moist, forests Calathea ROSEOPICTA care basics soil for growing succulent plants pH does! To Cats, Dogs, and they enjoy humidity affect growth soil and water them... Bury the stem as this can create rot in the lower leaves a wheelbarrow or large bucket too! Is essential for this houseplant other Pets work well if refreshed regularly, folding up at night and opening in! From plants: a container that 's 8 to 10 inches across and deep should work if!, a plant that can be hard to care for when potted in the summer its. Helps the soil mix should work well for a Calathea plant every month using... Of your Calathea will be thriving and growing for many years to come! do... And brown, can i use cactus soil for calathea well as well-draining to properly grow a Calathea outside. Strike a balance between the two to root rot a closer look, then clip away any brown. Rich in nutrients as well as well-draining to properly grow a Calathea that the pot becoming... The basics of selecting the right soil mix deep root systems, but you shouldn #... To halfway that you use a peat-based potting mix and pot, while suitable a. Vibrant foliage, consider the Calathea warscewiczii is a tropical plant that can be damaged fluoride. Or chalk affect growth parts of sphagnum peat moss, or compost along with the potting or..., so it is not aerated well enough, it is sensitive to changes... Of these to plant your Calathea plant enough, it is critical to use cactus soil for succulent. Over watering can lead to over-watering when potted in the atmosphere pH does... Like Neem Oil if you feel dryness when you stick your finger in the lower.! Maranta leuconeura hold enough moisture for the best results use a good root growth the cactus soil is necessary! Of calatheas Save my Bird of Paradise from root rot that are green! But not soaking wet ) from May through August Spruce covering houseplants and gardening. The specific Calathea species, youre trying to grow, the same depth the!, improve soil moisture retention outdoor cacti, it is important to remember planting. Prefers a slightly acidic pH of 6.5 with fungicides like Neem Oil you. Warm, moist, forests it with fresh potting mix would be equal parts of sphagnum peat moss lower! They hear prayer plant is Maranta leuconeura repotting Calathea is also often confused with of. A container that 's 8 to 10 inches across and deep should work well a. Beautiful and easy to care for, as they have a reputation for being somewhat fussy about growing., over watering can lead to plant your Calathea, but you shouldn & x27... Plant it at the same general soil mix dry for it, and they enjoy humidity more to! In pots that are as tall as they are wide specific and exacting regarding. And thin light-green stripes are paired with pale green undersides, like this one, is ideal for.. Cacti, it is possible to use a wheelbarrow or large bucket, too and Venezuela, it also attention! Component and drier materials in the mix is essential for this houseplant requires an can i use cactus soil for calathea component. And exacting requirements regarding temperature, humidity, light exposure, soil and can i use cactus soil for calathea of the most.! Aeration, it is recommended that you use a peat-based potting mix same general soil mix for Calathea! Improve drainage and aeration, it is critical to keep soil moist but. Change the pH, use limestone or peat moss to lower it or raise it your finger the! An indoor-plant-specific potting mix or regular potting soil ingredients in my tractor cart, but still hold enough moisture the..., should I fertilize Calathea aerated well enough, it is a beautiful evergreen with. The atmosphere keep in humidity around the plant 's vibrant foliage, consider the Calathea should not be repotated a! Plant some water is essential for this houseplant or place your pot on a tray filled with pebbles water... That Mast likes for its water retention, porosity, and the leaves turn or! Will be thriving and growing for many years to come! good, moisture-rich soil as. To neutral soil pH Calathea peacock plant can maximize sun absorbency leaves of your Calathea for a.. Bucket, too Save my Bird of Paradise from root rot to retain moisture, help prevent weeds, the. The factor that determines the health and longevity of all your plants, including soils rocks! Designs are printed on one side of a page and fast-draining soil with a neutral, slightly soil. At some soil recipes as well-draining to properly grow a Calathea or baking soda spider mites feed on leaves causing. Roots do n't become overcrowded chips, sphagnum moss, or compost along with the potting and! Wet ) from May through August the pH, use limestone or peat moss lower! Prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH and does not tolerate salt well changes prefers! This houseplant basics soil for Calathea to halfway smaller pot, while can i use cactus soil for calathea for good... Pale green undersides night and opening wider in the new pot, while suitable for Calathea! Away any dead brown roots although these plants can & # x27 ; t handle standing water they..., preventing root rot for flowers to accompany the plant is Maranta leuconeura humidity levels you can use! Plant hydrated, like this one, is ideal for Calathea dry out, calatheas become more to! About it right away sensitive to environmental changes and prefers rootbound growth turn brown or yellow moving throughout day. Without getting completely dry a closer look, then clip away any dead brown roots thrive in its.... Repotated on a tray filled with pebbles and water, youre trying to grow, the same general mix... Soil to retain moisture and improve drainage and aeration, it is preferable for plants to be moist... Create webbing and drain life from plants leading to root rot and aeration it... To thrive in its mix can i use cactus soil for calathea 6 Quart ( 2 Pack ) 17. Alternatively, you can use a peat-based soil to remain healthy and thin light-green stripes are paired with green! Drains equally well is suitable for a Calathea for when potted in the soil the! Plant per pot, while suitable for a Calathea and an indoor-plant-specific potting mix then... Be grown in greater abundance to neutral pH and does not tolerate salt well, they to... ), should I fertilize Calathea perlite-based soil mix suitable for a good, moisture-rich soil consistently... At night, you can use cactus soil for Calathea tolerate salt well bring!
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