January 27, 2023

In Good Company: Calathea & Alocasia

Growing from your Strengths

Calathea & Alocasia

If you’ve mastered care for the likes of Pothos and Philodendron and are ready to expand your houseplant repertoire, it might be time to try your hand at Calathea and Alocasia. Typically for the more advanced houseplant enthusiast, these plant families require a little extra care, but we think they are worth the effort!

Maranta

Calathea

Part of the larger Maranta (aka Prayer Plant) family, Calathea need careful attention to watering, and they do prefer higher-the-better humidity levels. They tend to be sensitive to the added fluoride and salts in tap water and are much happier when irrigated with distilled water or collected rainwater (like from a rain barrel). They grow best in medium to bright, indirect sunlight where they will avoid sunscald from marring their exotic, “peacock feather-like” foliage.

Another member of the larger Maranta family, Stromanthe ‘Triostar’ is a gorgeous, multi-color foliage plant that requires similar care to Calathea.

Light | Medium to Bright Indirect Light
Water | Irrigate thoroughly (with distilled water) when dry
Humidity | Provide humidity through spray misting or a humidity tray

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Elephant Ears

Alocasia

If you enjoy the Maranta family of prayer plants and Calathea spp., you will absolutely adore Alocasia spp., or Elephant Ears. They enjoy the same medium to bright, indirect sunlight as they are susceptible to sun scald in direct sunlight. Keeping soil evenly moist and providing extra humidity is something these striking houseplants also enjoy. Alocasia, especially smaller varieties, are trending as exotic indoor houseplants with their unique, boldly textured, arrow-shaped leaves with green, black, and silver foliage and contrasting vein colors. ‘Polly’ is a favorite with pastel pink stems and almost black, wavy-edged leaves.

Light | Medium to Bright Indirect Light
Water | Keep soil evenly moist
Humidity | Provide humidity through spray misting or a humidity tray

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Alocasia

A VIDEO GUIDE TO

Calathea & Alocasia

While Calathea and Alocasia require a little more time and attention than most houseplants, the reward of enjoying their gorgeous foliage makes it worth the extra effort. Noelle explains the similarities in care requirements for these plant families, including best watering practices, and  preferred lighting environments. She also shares some of our favorite varieties!

Interested in more medium to bright light loving houseplants? Check out our Houseplant Lighting Guide.
View Lighting Guide

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