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Calatheas are known for their beautiful foliage and vibrant patterns, but they can be a bit challenging to care for. Here are some tips to help you care for your Calathea:
Lighting
Calathea plants prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight as it can scorch their leaves. Place your Calathea in a location with filtered or diffused light, such as near a north or east-facing window.
Temperature and Humidity
Calathea plants thrive in warm and humid conditions. They prefer temperatures between 65°F to 80°F. Avoid placing them in areas with cold drafts or temperature fluctuations. To increase humidity, you can use a humidifier, place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, or group it with other plants.
Watering
Keep the soil of your Calathea evenly moist but not soggy. Water it when the top few inches of the soil feels slightly dry. Calathea plants are sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering. Ensure that the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Use room temperature filtered water or allow tap water to sit out overnight to remove chlorine.
Soil and Potting
Use a well-draining potting mix that retains moisture but doesn't become waterlogged. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark or coco coir works well. Repot your Calathea annually or when it becomes root-bound, usually in spring. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one.
Fertilization
Feed your Calathea with a balanced houseplant fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid fertilizer burn. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the winter months when the plant's growth slows down.
Pruning
Remove any yellow or brown leaves as they indicate over or underwatering or that the plant is receiving too much direct sunlight. You can also trim leggy or damaged stems to encourage bushier growth.
By following these care tips, you can help your Calathea plant thrive and enjoy its beautiful foliage. Remember that Calatheas can be a bit fussy, so it may take some time and adjustments to find the ideal conditions for your plant.
Alocasia, also known as Elephant Ear or African Mask plant, is a stunning tropical plant known for its large, striking leaves. Proper care is essential to ensure the health and vitality of your Alocasia. Here are some guidelines to help you care for your Alocasia plant:
Light
Alocasia plants prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch their leaves. Place your Alocasia near a window with plenty of light or further in the room if you get direct afternoon sun.
Temperature and Humidity
Alocasias thrive in warm temperatures ranging between 65°F to 85°F. They also prefer high humidity, so placing a humidifier nearby can help create a humid environment. Avoid exposing them to cold drafts.
Watering
Alocasias prefer consistently moist soil but are susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Water your Alocasia when the top few inches of soil feels slightly dry, but avoid letting the soil dry out completely. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged soil. Adjust the watering frequency based on environmental conditions.
Soil
A well-draining soil mix is crucial for Alocasias. Use a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and well-composted organic matter to promote healthy root growth. Avoid heavy soils that retain excess moisture.
Fertilization
Alocasia are heavy feeders. Fertilize your Alocasia with a balanced liquid fertilizer every time you water during the growing season (spring and summer). Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent fertilizer burn. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.
Pruning and Maintenance
Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves promptly to maintain the plant's overall health. Regularly clean the large leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean and free from dust buildup and prevent them from pest infestation.
Potting and Repotting
Alocasias prefer slightly root bound conditions, so repotting is typically done every 1-2 years or when the plant has outgrown its current pot. Use a pot only slightly larger than the root ball, and ensure good drainage in the new pot.
Pests and Diseases
Alocasias can be susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Regularly inspect your plant for signs of pests and take appropriate measures, such as using insecticidal soap or neem oil, to control infestations. Proper airflow and avoiding overwatering can help prevent fungal diseases.
Dormancy
Alocasia dormancy refers to a period of rest or reduced growth that some Alocasia plants go through, usually during the winter months. During dormancy, the plant's growth may slow down, and some leaves may yellow and wither. Here's how you can deal with Alocasia dormancy:
Light: During dormancy, Alocasias require less light compared to their active growing season. Move your plant to a slightly shadier spot with indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as it can cause leaf scorch.
Watering: Reduce watering during dormancy, as the plant's growth slows down. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out slightly before watering. Be careful not to let the soil completely dry out, as Alocasias still need some moisture to survive. Adjust the watering frequency based on the plant's needs and the environmental conditions.
Temperature: Alocasias may benefit from slightly lower temperatures during dormancy. Maintain a temperature range of around 60°F to 70°F if possible. Avoid exposing the plant to cold drafts or extreme temperature fluctuations.
Humidity: While Alocasias appreciate high humidity, it's still important to ensure proper airflow around the plant, especially during dormancy. This helps prevent fungal diseases.
Pruning: Remove any yellowing or withered leaves promptly to maintain the plant's overall health and appearance. However, it's normal for some leaves to naturally die back during dormancy.
Rest period: Allow your Alocasia to go through its natural dormancy period without trying to stimulate growth. This period is essential for the plant's overall health and helps it rejuvenate for the next growing season.
Remember, each Alocasia variety may have specific care requirements, so it's beneficial to research the particular species or cultivar you have to provide the best care possible. With proper care, your Alocasia will thrive and become a captivating focal point in your indoor garden.
Philodendron is one of the most diverse genera in the Araceae family with many unique synthetic hybrids developed. They are one of the most popular indoor plants due to their forgiving nature and unique beauty. They can thrive in many settings, help purify the air, and require little maintenance.
Light
Philodendron can handle various light situation from bright indirect to medium light. We recommend placing them less than 6 feet away from the window to ensure maximum growth.
Water
Make sure the soil is about half way dry before you water.
To check the soil, simply stick your finger into the soil of your pot, and if you can feel moisture, you may want to wait a couple days before watering. If your plant is in a large pot, a moisture meter will come in handy.
Humidity
Most Philodendrons will be fine in normal household humidity level, however some rarer species such as Philodendron Verrucosum or Philodendron Patriciae will appreciate a higher level of humidity.
The best way to increase humidity for plants in your home is to use a humidifier. You can also group your plants together since they release moisture through their leaves in a process called transpiration, which in turn increase the humidity level in the area.
Temperature
Between 60ºF – 80ºF and away from cold drafts or hot air.
Soil
Philodendron does best in well draining soil. Add a 1:1 ratio of perlite or bark to soil and mix well. This should help increase the drainage level and aeration in soil.
Still unsure?
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