How to Grow Calathea

Bring the razzle dazzle of the tropics into your home with calatheas! The colourful and intriguing patterns and shapes of calathea make it an eye-catching indoor plant, hence the common name - peacock or zebra plant. There are many varieties to choose from and they all look a little different to each other, making them a wonderful choice for a striking display.

Sun

Watering

Soil

Climate

How to grow calathea in a pot

Step 1

Choose a spot indoors that is well lit, but away from direct sunlight like a windowsill or coffee table.

Step 2

Partially fill the pot with Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 4

Position in pot and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well keeping the water away from the leaves.

Step 5

After the initial watering, keep the soil moist (not wet!), especially during the warmer months. During winter, you can allow the soil to almost dry out before watering again.

Step 6

Feed fortnightly from spring to autumn with Yates Thrive Houseplant Liquid Plant Food or use a Yates Thrive Indoor Plants & Ferns Dripper which feeds for 4 weeks.

How to grow calathea in a garden

Step 1

Choose a shady spot (like under a tree) with well-drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Step 4

Mulch with an organic mulch, such as bark chips, sugar cane or pea straw ensuring to keep it away from the trunk.

Step 5

Water regularly, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.

Step 6

Feed fortnightly from spring to autumn with Yates Thrive Houseplant Liquid Plant Food or use a Yates Thrive Indoor Plants & Ferns Dripper which feeds for 4 weeks.

Growing tips

Remove dead stems from the base of the plant.
Gently wipe the leaves with damp cloth to remove dust.
Mist leaves every couple of weeks to create a humid environment – especially during dry conditions.
Divide and repot every 2 years in spring.