Calatheas are known for their bold patterned foliage. The leaves of most Calathea varieties fold up slightly during the night time, revealing the often colorful undersides of their striking leaves.
Light
Your Calathea Freddie prefers medium to bright indirect light. Direct sun burns the leaves and causes the beautiful leaf colours to fade.
Water
Water your Calathea when the top 25% of soil is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer.
Humidity
Like many tropical indoor plants, your Freddie prefers a spot with ample humidity. Brown edges on the leaves indicate the air is too dry. Mist often, add a pebble tray, or place a humidifier nearby.
Temperature
Your Freddie enjoys the warmth, preferably between 15-30 degrees. Maintain indoor temperatures above 15 degrees and avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Food
For best results, use a general houseplant fertilizer every four weeks during the spring and summer. No fertilizer is necessary during the winter when plant growth naturally slows.
Toxicity
Your Calathea Freddie is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans.
Additional Care
If you notice a tip or edges of your Freddie are burned, often with a yellowish hue, it could be due to your tap water. To solve this, use distilled water, rainwater, or allow your tap water to stand overnight before watering so the chlorine and fluoride can evaporate. Remove any yellow leaves to keep your plant strong and growing. Do not use any shine products on the leaves, instead, clean leaves occasionally with a damp cloth.
