Calathea Care in Winter: Tips to Keep Your Plant Happy and Healthy

Calatheas are popular houseplants known for their beautiful foliage and air-purifying properties. With the arrival of winter, it's important to adjust your care routine for these tropical plants to ensure they thrive. Here are some tips to help you take care of your calathea during the colder months.

1. Adjust Watering Schedule

During winter, the air inside our homes tends to be drier due to indoor heating systems. Calatheas prefer consistently moist soil, but overwatering can cause root rot. To strike a balance, reduce the frequency of watering and check the soil moisture level before watering again. Use a finger or a moisture meter to determine if the soil is dry to the touch about an inch below the surface. If it is, it's time to water your plant.

Regular watering helps keep your calathea healthy during winter.

2. Increase Humidity

As mentioned earlier, indoor heating can make the air in our homes dry, which is not ideal for calatheas. These tropical plants love humidity levels between 60% to 70%. You can increase humidity around your plant by placing a small humidifier nearby or grouping your plants together. Another option is to mist your calathea regularly with a spray bottle filled with distilled water, especially in the morning when the leaves can absorb moisture throughout the day.

Increasing humidity helps your calathea thrive in the dry winter air.

3. Find the Right Light

Calatheas are low-light plants that prefer bright, indirect light, making them perfect for indoor spaces with limited natural light. During winter, however, the sun's rays are weaker, so you may need to move your calathea closer to a window to ensure it receives enough light. Be careful not to expose your plant to direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. If you notice your calathea's leaves curling or drooping, it may be a sign of too much or too little light.

Find the right amount of light for your calathea during the darker winter months.

4. Keep Temperature Stable

Calatheas thrive at temperatures between 65°F and 80°F, making them ideal for indoor environments. However, during winter, the temperature inside our homes fluctuates more than usual, especially if we turn the heat off when we go out or while we sleep. Sudden drops in temperature can stress your calathea and cause brown spots on the leaves. To keep your plant happy, avoid placing it near drafty windows or doors and use a space heater to maintain a stable temperature.

Maintain a stable temperature to keep your calathea healthy.

5. Fertilize Sparingly

In general, calatheas don't require frequent fertilization, as they are relatively slow-growers. During winter, it's best to avoid fertilizing altogether, as the plant's growth slows down due to lower light levels and cooler temperatures. Over-fertilizing can also lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can damage the plant roots. Wait until spring to resume feeding your calathea once every two to four weeks using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

Fertilize sparingly, if at all, during winter.

6. Watch Out for Pests

Calatheas are susceptible to pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests thrive in dry conditions, so monitoring humidity levels can help prevent infestations. To get rid of pests, isolate the affected plant from other plants and treat it with an insecticide spray or soap solution. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and repeat the treatment as needed.

Pests can damage your calathea's leaves, so make sure to watch out for them.

By following these tips, you can help your calathea survive the harsh conditions of winter and continue to thrive. Remember to pay attention to your plant's needs and adjust your care routine accordingly. With proper care, your calathea will reward you with its stunning foliage all year round.

Calathea, houseplant, indoor gardening, winter care, plant care, tropical plants, humidity, watering