Calathea Care

Calatheas are a genus of tropical plants native to Central and South America. These plants are known for their striking leaves which feature brightly colored stripes and patches. With proper care, you can expect the plant to grow reasonably fast and reach up to 2 feet in size.

Calatheas display a fascinating phenomenon called nyctinasty. This means
they move their leaves from day to night as a part of their circadian rhythm. They get their
nickname “prayer plant” from this phenomenon because their leaves open during the day and fold up at night like praying hands. The Calathea is known for having ornately patterned leaves that tend to look unnatural or painted on.

Historically, the plant has had practical uses as well. Narrow leaves were used to weave baskets, while wider leaf varieties were utilized as food wrappings.


Sunlight


The Calathea plant thrives in locations that receive low to medium, indirect light.
Low-light replicates the Calathea’s natural tropical environment where canopies create
large shady areas. They need some light in order to fully open their leaves during the day, but keep them out of direct sunlight, which can fade their leaf pattern.


Water


To keep your Calathea happy and healthy, keep its soil moist but not soggy. It should never be in sitting water. If your calathea’s pot has a drip tray, fill it with a layer of pebbles to prevent the drainage holes from soaking up excess water.

The amount of water a Calathea needs will depend on how much sunlight it receives and the temperature of its environment. More light and higher temperatures will require more frequent watering. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant when the top inch or two of the soil becomes dry. Yellowing leaves or a black base are signs of overwatering, while wilting or curling leaves are signs of dehydration.


Temperature


In order to replicate its tropical homeland, Calatheas need warm to high temperatures
ranging from 60 – 85 degrees fahrenheit. Make sure it is never exposed to temperatures
lower than 59 degrees fahrenheit.


Humidity


When it comes to humidity, it is almost impossible to have too much. Since they enjoy high humidity, your Calathea would be happy in a bright bathroom. The steam from your shower will provide the humidity it craves. Alternatively, placing your calathea among other plants, in a greenhouse, or near a humidifier will simulate the tropical environment it prefers. Small Calatheas would also thrive in a well-maintained bottle garden or terrarium.


Soil


Choose a well-draining potting soil for your Calathea. The potting soil should have
ingredients such as compost, pine bark, worm castings, perlite, and
coco coir. These ingredients provide the perfect balance between moisture and drainage while providing your calathea with the nutrients it needs to grow.

Toxicity

Most calathea varieties are non-toxic to pets and humans, making them an ideal houseplant for people who have young children, cats, or dogs.

related posts

5 Reasons Why ZZ Plants Thrive in Low Light Conditions

We’ve all heard that ZZ plants are the perfect plant for those shadier areas of our homes, but what exactly makes them such resilient houseplants? In this blog, we will explore five characteristics that make the ZZ plant our go-to low-light houseplant.

Read More »

Common Houseplant Diseases and How to Treat Them

Houseplants can be a beautiful addition to any home, but they’re not immune to disease. In this blog, we talk about some of the most common houseplant diseases, including root rot, leaf spot, powdery mildew, and pest infestations.

Read More »

Revitalize Your Houseplants: A Guide to Repotting

Houseplants can add beauty and warmth to any living space, but they require proper care to thrive. One essential aspect of caring for houseplants is repotting them when necessary. Over time, the soil in a plant’s pot can become compacted, depleted of nutrients, or retain too much moisture, which can all hinder the plant’s growth and health. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of repotting your houseplants, including how to tell when it’s time to repot, how to choose the right pottery and soil mixture, and the steps to repot your plant. By following these tips, you can help your houseplants stay healthy and vibrant for years to come

Read More »
SPRING REPOTTING SALE

20% OFF PLANTERS & SUBSTRATE

March 24-26

*IN-STORE ONLY, SOME EXCLUSIONS APPLY. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER DISCOUNTS*

Return Policy

Last Updated July 2, 2022

Thank you for your purchase. We hope you are happy with your products! However, if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may be able to return it to us for a full refund or store credit. Please see below for more information on our return and exchange policy.

Returns

Plants: Plants are eligible for a full refund or exchange with returned within seven (7) days of the purchase date. All returned plants must be in their original nursery pots with tags intact and proof of purchase. Plants may be exchanged for another plant of equal or lesser value. We are not responsible for the death or damage of plants that have been removed from their original pots after purchase. 

Non-plant goods: Any non-plant goods (pottery, macrame, plant care products, etc.) can be returned in new, unused condition for a full refund or exchanged for another item of equal or lesser value within fourteen (14) days of purchase. Packaging may be opened, but the product must be unused and returned with all of its original, undamaged packaging. 

Return Process

To return an item, contact us by email at ashley@pollenplant.co

For Plant returns/exchanges:

  • Title email “Return/exchange [your order #]”
  • please provide a detailed description of why you wish to return or exchange the plant, including any damage/pests/etc. 
  • Include a picture of the plant in its original pot.

For non-plant returns/exchanges:

  • Title email “Return/exchange [your order #]”
  • A brief description of why you wish to return the item
  • A photo of the unused item in its original packaging

All return requests will be responded to within 1-2 business days. If the return is appropriate, a pickup date and time will be arranged free of charge.

Refunds

After we receive your returned item and inspect its condition, we will process your refund or exchange. Refunds will be sent to your original method of payment. Refunds might take 1-2 billing cycles to post to your credit card statement, depending on your bank. We will notify you by email when your return has been processed.

Restrictions

Plants that have been removed from their original nursery pots are not eligible for return or exchange.

Non-plant items that have been used or damaged (including any packaging) are not eligible for return or exchange.

All sales are final on discounted items, and they cannot be returned or exchanged.

Questions

Questions or concerns about our return policy? Please contact us at ashley@pollenplants.co

Delivery Details

All orders will be fulfilled by either home delivery or local pick-up. 

At checkout, you will select “delivery” or “pickup” and choose your preferred date and time to receive your order. 

We require at least 24 hours to process your order.

Home Delivery

We currently deliver to the following towns:

  • Portsmouth
  • Dover
  • Durham
  • Somersworth
  • Epping
  • Newmarket
 

Delivery is available Monday-Friday 11am-6pm

Home delivery is subject to a $6.00 delivery fee

Your items will be delivered within the 30 minute time frame you selected at checkout. We recommend choosing a delivery time when you will be home. If no one is home to accept the order, your items will be placed on your doorstep and out of direct sunlight whenever possible. We are not responsible for lost or damaged goods that are left at your door. 

Please contact us if you need to change your delivery date or time! We are happy to make reasonable accommodations. 

Pick-up

Pick-up is available for free at our greenhouse located in Somersworth, NH

Pick-up hours are Monday-Friday 11am-6pm.

Our greenhouse is located at a private residence, so please be respectful of your chosen pick-up time

Please contact us if you need to change your pick-up date or time.

Automatic refunds will not be issued for unclaimed orders. We will contact you to arrange a new pick-up date and time.