Crafting Your Custom Calathea Soil Blend: A Comprehensive Guide to Bolster These Fussy Plants
Whacky Guide to Dazzling Calatheas: Here's Your Foolproof Hack for Killer Potting Soil
Got a soft spot for plants that make a statement? Us too! Calatheas, aka prayer plants, have got your back. With their strikingly colorful leaves, these greens are squarely on our 'best' list for indoor plants. But, if you're not careful, they can be a picky bunch - but never fear! Our secret sauce for the perfect calathea potting mix will have you cruising through care like a pro.
Real talk? Calatheas ain't the easiest ride on the greenthumb highway, but knowing their preferences can take the anxiety down a notch. And the key to this plant's full potential starts with the soil they call home. Creating your own potting mix is practically second nature once you've got the lowdown. Here's what you'll need:
- Houseplant potting soil - (grab it here on Amazon)
- Coco coir - (snag it here from True Leaf Market)
- Perlite - (this one's from Nature Hills)
- Orchid bark - (check it out on Amazon)
So, what's the magic recipe? Here's your breakdown:
- 20% houseplant potting soil
- 25% coco coir
- 25% perlite
- 30% orchid bark
According to Tenielle Jordison, a houseplant expert at Homes & Gardens, the houseplant potting soil provides a good foundation, delivering both essential nutrients and drainage support. She suggests using coco coir as an environmentally-friendly alternative to peat moss, which helps retain water for calathea roots. Tenielle adds perlite and orchid bark as amendments, citing their capacity for enhancing drainage and creating air pockets for optimal root health.
Don't let a heavy or poorly draining potting mix get between you and your veiny green-leaved dreamboat. Avoid such disasters by staying away from those soil mix nightmares, and don't be that person who uses tap water, yikes! Lisa Eldred-Steinkopf, another houseplant guru, recommends using distilled water or rainwater instead. This avoids the dreaded brown marks that fluoride in tap water can leave on your lovely leaves.
So, remember: a perfect calathea potting mix requires moisture retention, great drainage, and plentiful oxygen flow. Aim for a balance of these factors with the above recipe, and you'll be well on your way to cultivating a plant that's worthy of your Instagram feed.
Side Note:By the way, if you're feeling like your calathea needs a green smoothie, Lisa suggests using a calathea-specific fertilizer or organic stuff like worm castings once every fourth watering, but never go overboard! More nutrients isn't always merrier when it comes to these drama queens.
Oh, and for those of you who don't like change, mark your calendars for a calathea repotting sesh. Every 1 to 2 years should do the trick. Keep it simple - choose a pot that's slightly larger with good drainage, and don't forget to give your plant a new lease on life with fresh soil before watering and letting it settle.
Now that you've got the deets on the best potting soil mix and how to pamper your calathea, let the stylish foliage FEAST your eyes on! All that's left is to hold your breath as you watch those leaves unfurl like the most luxurious painted masterpieces. Happy planting!
P.S.: Calatheas have sensitive roots, so don't try to yank them out of their pot like an old tooth! Gentle removal is key to maintaining the health of their roots and keeping that wild foliage around for the long haul.
[1] Source: Houseplant expert interview.[3] Source: Gardening advice websites.[4] Source: Preservation of Calathea species.
Boost your lifestyle by incorporating a calathea plant, a captivating choice for indoor plants, into your home-and-garden. Enhance its growth by crafting an ideal potting mix tailored to its requirements. Accustomed to moisture retention, excellent drainage, and plentiful oxygen flow, prepare a mix comprising 20% houseplant potting soil, 25% coco coir, 25% perlite, and 30% orchid bark, ensuring a perfect blend for your calathea.
