What to Avoid When Growing Calatheas
What to Avoid When Growing Calatheas
Calathea Care Mistakes & Don’ts for Healthy Plants
Calatheas are among the most popular tropical houseplants, admired for their decorative foliage, bold patterns, and elegant leaf movement. At the same time, they are often described as “difficult” plants. In reality, Calatheas thrive when a few essential care mistakes are avoided.
In this guide, TOMs FLOWer CLUB shares the most common Calathea care don’ts and explains how to prevent them - for strong growth and long-lasting beauty.
❌ Don’t Place Calatheas in Direct Sunlight
A very common Calathea care mistake is exposure to direct sunlight. In nature, Calatheas grow on the forest floor, protected from harsh sun.
Direct sun can cause:
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Burned or bleached leaves
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Brown, crispy edges
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Faded leaf patterns
Best practice:
Bright to medium indirect light, never direct sun.
❌ Don’t Let the Soil Dry Out Completely
Calatheas are moisture-loving plants and react quickly to drought stress.
Letting the soil dry out fully may lead to:
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Drooping or curling leaves
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Dry leaf tips
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Slower growth
Best practice:
Keep the soil evenly moist, allowing only the top layer to dry slightly.
❌ Don’t Overwater or Cause Waterlogging
Too much water is just as harmful as too little. Poor drainage often leads to root rot.
Overwatering symptoms include:
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Yellowing leaves
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Soft stems
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Unhealthy root systems
Best practice:
Use a well-draining, airy substrate and ensure excess water can drain freely.
❌ Don’t Use Hard or Cold Tap Water
Calatheas are sensitive to water quality. Hard, lime-rich or cold tap water often causes:
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Brown leaf margins
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Spots on leaves
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Reduced leaf quality
Best practice:
Use rainwater, filtered water, or standing tap water at room temperature.
❌ Don’t Ignore Humidity Requirements
Low humidity is one of the main reasons Calatheas struggle indoors, especially during winter.
Dry air can result in:
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Crispy leaf edges
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Leaf curling
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Stalled growth
Best practice:
Increase humidity by:
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Misting regularly
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Showering leaves 1-3 times per month
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Using a humidifier or grouping plants
❌ Don’t Expose Calatheas to Drafts or Temperature Swings
Calatheas dislike unstable environments. Cold drafts, heating, or air conditioning cause stress.
Avoid:
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Cold window drafts
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Direct airflow from radiators or AC units
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Sudden temperature changes
Best practice:
Keep Calatheas in a warm, draft-free location with stable temperatures between 18-25 °C.
❌ Don’t Overfertilize
Excess fertilizer is a frequent mistake in Calathea care.
Overfertilization may cause:
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Burned leaf tips
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Salt buildup in soil
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Weak root growth
Best practice:
Feed lightly during the growing season or use mild, organic nutrients.
❌ Don’t Repot Too Frequently
Calatheas prefer slightly snug pots. Frequent repotting can stress the plant.
Best practice:
Repot only every 1-2 years, once the pot is clearly filled with new growth.
Final Thoughts: Healthy Calatheas Start with What You Avoid
Calatheas are expressive plants that quickly show when something is wrong. By avoiding these common Calathea care mistakes and maintaining consistent conditions, they become resilient, lush, and rewarding houseplants.
At TOMs FLOWer CLUB, Calatheas are grown slowly, organically, and with respect for their natural habitat – because long-term plant health starts with understanding.