Purple calathea
Discover watering, soil, fertilizing, pests, styling, and troubleshooting tips for Purple Calathea from our experience growing and caring for it in our Brooklyn home!
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Purple calathea care guide
lineage and Symbolism
The Purple Calathea (aka Calathea rufibarba) from the Marantaceae family has velvety, lance-shaped leaves with a deep purple underside that create a striking contrast that stands out in any room. It thrives in indirect light – perfect for a cozy living room corner or even a shaded bathroom. With its upright growth, it reaches around 2-3 feet tall and fills vertical space beautifully without overwhelming the room. One quirky fact? It’s also known as the “Furry Feather Calathea” because the underside of its leaves feels slightly fuzzy!
The Purple Calathea symbolizes new beginnings and spiritual growth – perfect match for nurturing and intuitive Cancers who thrive in creating peaceful home environments.
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“I think this plant is absolutely gorgeous and it just means I need a little corner shelf that my kitty can’t get to. :)”
Light and placement
What is the light requirement for Purple Calathea?
Calathea prefers medium to bright, indirect sunlight. It is tolerant to low-light conditions and should be kept away from direct sunlight. Too much sun can cause its beautiful leaves to fade. Aim for about 6 to 8 hours of diffused light daily.
How to know if Purple Calathea is not getting right amount of light?
If your Purple Calathea is getting too much light, you’ll see its leaves starting to fade or develop brown, crispy edges—this means it’s getting scorched. If it’s getting too little light, the leaves might droop, and its vibrant purple tones will look dull. In winter, you may need to move it closer to a window or supplement with a grow light to maintain its health. Keep in mind, bright indirect light is best, even though it tolerates medium light.
Where to place Purple Calathea and where to avoid?
We recommend placing your Purple Calathea near an east or north-facing window without the risk of scorching. It’s a great fit for living rooms, bedrooms, or even a well-lit bathroom. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or too close to south or west-facing windows. If you have a drafty window, avoid putting it too close since the Calathea prefers stable, warm environments year-round.
Soil
What soil composition to use for Purple Calathea?
We recommend a well-draining mix that retains moisture without getting waterlogged – a blend of 40% standard potting soil, 30% loam, and 30% perlite or bark works well to balance moisture retention and drainage. This composition also maintains slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, which is ideal for the plant. If you tend to water less frequently, increase the loam to 40% to hold more moisture, but for more frequent watering, stick to the above recommendation
Best soil to use for Purple Calathea?
This is a great soil mix for your indoor Calatheas!
Temperature and Humidity
What is the best temperature condition for Purple Calathea?
Keep your Purple Calathea in environment between 65°F and 80°F – avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes, especially if you live in colder regions. In drier climates or warmer seasons, a humidifier can help maintain humidity levels. Watch for signs of too much heat – like curling leaves or crispy edges – while too much cold can lead to wilting or leaf discoloration. If temperatures dip below 60°F, move it to a warmer spot
What is the best humidity condition for Purple Calathea?
Your Purple Calathea thrives in high humidity—ideally around 60% or higher. During winter, recommend using a humidifier or placing the plant on a humidity tray, especially if the leaves curl or develop brown edges. And with too much humidity, in warmer seasons, you may see mold or mildew on the soil, so maintaining good airflow is important by opening the windows or keeping it outside in the shade.
Our favorite humidifiers
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fertilizer
What is the best fertilizer composition to use for Purple Calathea?
We recommend using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with a 10-10-10 ratio, applied monthly during the growing season (spring and summer). Be careful not to over-fertilize as too much can burn the plant’s sensitive roots
For a simple DIY recipe: combine 1 tablespoon of worm castings with 1 gallon of water. Stir it well and let it sit for 24 hours before using. This mix provides a slow-release of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply monthly during the growing season to help your plant thrive..
How and when to fertilize Purple Calathea?
Fertilize your Purple Calathea once a month during the growing season – from spring to early fall. Always dilute the fertilizer to half strength and apply directly to the soil, avoiding the leaves. Pour it evenly around the base of the plant after watering to prevent root burn – this practice also ensures even nutrient absorption!
What are the signs Purple Calathea needs food?
You’ll notice slow or stunted growth, pale or yellowing leaves, and a general lack of vibrancy in the plant’s colors during the growing season, which will be an unusual sign for you to add nutrients.
Best fertilizer to use for Purple Calathea?
Pots and planters
What are the best pots to use for Purple calathea?
A medium-sized pot, around 6-8 inches in diameter, will give your Purple Calathea room to grow without becoming waterlogged. Opt for terracotta or ceramic pots for better moisture regulation and choose one with drainage holes to prevent root rot. A slightly wider shape allows the roots to spread, while a lightweight material helps with easy repositioning as needed. A cylindrical pot, or pots that don’t taper at the bottom works best for these plants.
Our favorite Terracotta and hanging pots
Watering
How and When to water Purple calathea?
Your Purple Calathea prefers consistently moist soil but doesn’t tolerate sogginess – water it once a week in spring and summer, and 10-14 days in fall and winter. Be sure to use room-temperature, filtered water if possible. It dislikes hard or chlorinated water.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry—just enough to evenly moisten the soil without drenching it. If using a loam-heavy mix you can go easy on your watering frequency!
what are the Signs of over or under watering Purple calathea?
Overwatering your Purple Calathea often leads to yellowing leaves, mushy stems, or browning leaf edges – all signs of root rot.
Underwatering causes the leaves to curl and develop dry, crispy edges, especially around the tips. The plant’s vibrant colors will also fade if it’s too dry for too long.
Our favorite watering cans
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pruning
When to prune Purple calathea and why?
Pruning your Purple Calathea helps remove damaged or dying leaves,and helps focus the plants energy on healthy growth. The best time to prune is in spring or early summer when it’s actively growing. Yellowing, browning, or curling leaves, especially in growing season means they need pruning.
how to prune Purple calathea?
Use clean, sterilized, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Inspect the plant and trim off dead or damaged leaves at the base where the leaf stem meets the soil, making a clean cut to avoid tearing. Be careful not to cut healthy leaves or stems, and avoid over-pruning since Calatheas are sensitive to stress.
how to care after pruning Purple calathea?
Ensure the plant is in a stable environment with the right light, humidity, and watering that we have talked about above. A mild dose of diluted fertilizer can further encourage regrowth!
propagating
When to Propagate Purple calathea?
Propagation of the Purple Calathea is best done by division since the stem or leaf cuttings don’t work well for this plant. Division is the easiest and most effective method. The best time to propagate is in spring or early summer
how to Propagate Purple calathea?
Prepare the plant: Gently remove the Calathea from its pot. Loosen the soil around the roots carefully to avoid damaging them. Look for natural separations in the root ball which will be your divisions.
Replant the Divisions: Prepare fresh pots with a well-draining soil mix (40% potting soil, 30% loam, 30% perlite). Plant each division in its own pot, keeping it at the same depth as it was originally. Firm the soil around the roots gently.
Water and Position: Water the new plants thoroughly but avoid waterlogging, and place them in a spot with bright, indirect light and high humidity.
how to care after propagating Purple calathea?
Avoid fertilizing for a month to let the roots establish before resuming normal care. The plant should start growing almost immediately in a weeks time.
Troubleshooting common issues
1. Why are the leaves of my Purple calathea drooping?
Cause: Underwatering or low humidity. In some cases, root rot from overwatering can also be the culprit.
Solution: Immerse your index fingers 2-3 inches in the soil and check to see if it’s soggy, if so let it dry out before watering again. if it’s too dry, water thoroughly until the water drains out of the drainage holes
2. Why is the color of my Purple calathea fading?
Cause: too much direct sunlight bleaches the colors.
Solution: Move the plant to a spot with indirect light, use sheer curtains where necessary, and consider using a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
3. Why are the leaves of my Purple calathea yellowing?
Cause: overwatering and poor drainage, or even cold drafts.
Solution: Check drainage and cut back on watering. Move the plant away from cold areas.
4. Why are there Brown tips to the leaves of my Purple calathea?
Cause: Low humidity or using hard water with high salts and minerals.
Solution: Increase humidity around the plant by misting or using a humidifier. Water with distilled or filtered water to avoid mineral buildup
5. Why are there spots on leaves of my Purple calathea?
Cause: Fungal infections due to overwatering or poor airflow. Water splashing on the leaves can also cause spots.
Solution: Improve air circulation and avoid wetting the leaves when watering. Use a fungicide or neem oil to get rid of the infection – Mix 2 teaspoons of neem oil with 1 quart of water and a few drops of mild dish soap to help the oil stick. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and mist the entire plant and repeat every 7-10 days until the spots clear up.
6. Why are there leggs stems on my Purple calathea?
Cause: low light conditions makes the plant stretch to find more sun.
Solution: Move the plant to a brighter area with indirect light and rotate it regularly to encourage even growth. Cut the leggy stems and propogate it around the main stem for bushier re-growth!
7. Why is there no new growth on my Purple calathea?
Cause: Poor lighting, lack of nutrients, or low temperatures
Solution: Increase light, fertilize during growing seasons, and ensure the room temperature stays between 65°F and 80°F.
curated styling tips
Bedroom Statement Plant: Make the Purple Calathea a focal point in your bedroom by styling it with a hanging planter. Hang it near a north-facing window to provide soft light. The rich leaf patterns will create a soothing atmosphere. Complement the plant with soft linens in muted tones to let its purple hues pop subtly against the backdrop.
Work-From-Home Inspiration: Brighten up your home office by placing the Purple Calathea on a mid-height bookshelf or a plant stand next to your desk. The plant’s upright growth will add vertical interest without taking up too much space. Use a terracotta pot to balance the humidity and allow for proper drainage. Its rich, colorful leaves will serve as a natural stress-reliever and inspire creativity for you!
Entryway Focal Point: Make a statement by placing the Purple Calathea in a large, eye-catching planter near the entrance of your home. Choose a pot with a matte finish in neutral tones like gray or beige to make the vibrant purple undersides of the leaves stand out. Just be sure it’s away from drafts! This plant handles medium light so its perfect for entryways where you might not have too much light.
FAQ
Is Purple calathea toxic to pets?
No, the Purple Calathea is non-toxic to cats and dogs!
Does Purple calathea like to be placed outside in summer?
We don’t recommend placing it outside unless the conditions closely mimic its natural habitat—warm, humid, and shaded which can be a bit hard but not impossible. Direct sunlight or drafts can harm the leaves.
What are advantages and disadvantages of Purple calathea?
The Purple Calathea’s striking foliage adds visual interest and purifies air. But it’s sensitive to low humidity and requires consistent care to maintain vibrant colors.
How to get Purple calathea to bloom?
While Calatheas can bloom in the wild, indoor varieties rarely do due to the controlled environment. Focus on its foliage instead—it’s the real showstopper! regular pruning and propagating to get a bushier foliage is a better, and more effective plan!
How to pot Purple calathea?
Use a well-draining pot with drainage holes, and choose a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger than the current one. Take the entire plant along with its root bulb and the potting soil from the original plant and make a burrow in the new pot and place it gently and then press it around the root, and then water thoroughly. It’s a fairly easy process since the plant isn’t really that big and the risk of breakage is minimal!
