Calathea
Goeppertia spp. (older name Calathea spp.)
- Light
- Medium indirect; avoid direct sun (fades the leaf pattern)
- Water
- Every 4-7 days; keep the soil lightly moist at all times
- Soil
- Peat-based or coco-coir mix that retains moisture but drains
- Temperature
- 18-24°C (65-75°F); sensitive to cold drafts and below 15°C
- Humidity
- 55-70% — the single most important factor for healthy leaves
- Growth habit
- Clumping rosette; spreads slowly from rhizomes
- Mature size
- 40-80 cm (16-32 in)
- Pet toxicity
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Watering baseline: ~5 days between waterings, in a 6-inch pot, medium light, spring growth, normal household humidity, and standard potting mix. The full guide's watering estimator adjusts the interval for your specific pot, light, season, humidity, and soil.