Calathea and Maranta

How Often to Water a Calathea and prayer plant

Calatheas and prayer plants like consistently damp soil and are often sensitive to minerals in tap water. Leaves that curl are their way of asking for a change.

Your calathea and prayer plant

Your answer

Water when the soil reaches this point

How it shifts through the year

Thirsty signs

  • Leaves curl inward and edges brown
  • Leaves look dull and stop opening at night
  • Soil is dry at the surface and below

Overwatered signs

  • Yellowing leaves
  • Soft, dark patches near the base
  • Soil stays soggy and the plant wilts anyway

Watering tips for calathea and prayer plant

Common questions

Why are my calathea leaves curling?

Curling usually means thirst or dry air. Check the soil, and move the plant away from heating vents if the air is dry.

What water is best for a calathea?

Many owners get better results with filtered or rainwater, since these plants can be sensitive to minerals in hard tap water.

Tools that help

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Related guides

Estimates use rules of thumb. Always confirm with your finger: push it about an inch into the soil before you water.